MoCo Archives - Page 372 of 605

Montgomery County ‘Farm to Food Bank Program’ Had 25 Percent Increase in Total Pounds of Produce in Fiscal Year 2022

Published September 2, 2022 at 12:34PM

The Farm to Food Bank program had 22 farms participating in the past year, but for the current year, an increase of 10 farms from the previous year. That is the highest number of farms participating since the program began in 2020. This allowed the program to benefit about a dozen more food assistance providers than the year prior.

The annual report also showed that $141,553 in grant funds (from the Community Foundation and Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services) were awarded to 20 farms, nine of which are owned by females and/or farmers of color.

Residential Property Owners Must Have Approved Homestead Application on File to be Eligible for $692 Montgomery Property Tax Credit

By MCS Staff

Published September 2, 2022 at 9:43AM

There has been a change in Maryland law that could restrict a homeowner’s eligibility for a $692 Montgomery County property tax credit. The new State law requires all residential property owners to also have an approved Homestead Application on file with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) to be eligible for the County’s Income Tax Offset Credit (ITOC). This credit appears on annual property tax bills.

The one-time application must be completed to keep the ITOC tax credit that was on July 1, 2022, tax bills. If an approved application is not on file by May 1, 2023, State law will require the County to recapture the $692 ITOC that was granted on your tax bill. Additionally, the ITOC tax credit itself will no longer appear on all future tax bills until there is an approved Homestead Application on file with SDAT.

MCPS Athletics: Understand the Rules Concerning Transportation

By MCS Staff

Published September 2, 2022 at 7:39AM

Per MCPS Athletics: MCPS buses are available for teams to utilize throughout the season for off-site games or events, assuming there are available drivers and buses and based on the game time. It is important to note that, due to buses making runs afterschool for students, buses are not available during the hours of 1:35-4:35 p.m. from Monday-Friday. This constraint, along with the convenience of leaving later and coming home earlier, results in instances when parent or student drivers may be preferred.

If parent or student drivers are being considered for transportation to off-site events, each student’s parents/guardians have the option to opt out of allowing their student to drive with parent or student drivers. Parents are required to select which mode(s) of transportation they consent to allowing their student-athlete to utilize during the season.

Council President Albornoz Encourages Residents to Complete the Childhood Hunger Survey

By Patrick Herron

Published September 1, 2022 at 7:04PM

“Engaging the expertise and insight of our community is a critical step in creating successful strategies to support our residents,” said Heather Bruskin, executive director of the Montgomery County Food Council. “This five-minute survey will provide an important opportunity for residents to share the challenges they experience in accessing food and directly advise the county on what programs would be of greatest benefit to their families.”

The survey results will help inform program implementation, policy development and future funding priorities. Resident feedback is a key component to adequately understanding and addressing food access challenges that are impacting our children and youth.

Montgomery County Announces Abortion Access Grants to Community Organizations and Service Providers

By Patrick Herron

Published September 1, 2022 at 4:02PM

Resolution 19-1357 provides grant awards from $50,000 to a maximum of $500,000 for an up to one year (12 month) performance period for the County’s FY 2023 Abortion, Reproductive Health, and Related Services Access (ARHRSA) grants program. The target population for the grants are organizations that help women seeking access to abortion, reproductive health, and related services as well as the staff providing these services.

“As soon as the draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade was leaked in May, we knew that our reproductive rights and abortion providers were going to need additional support and we announced our intention to provide $1 million in County aid through grants to these organizations,” said County Executive Erich. “I am very pleased that we were able to get this grant process up and running so quickly and appreciate the work and input of the County Council, the Department of Health and Human Services and our new Office of Grants Management. These funds will help the women served by caring and compassionate organizations who are protecting their rights, their health, and their choices.”

County Council Seeks Applicants for the Merit System Protection Board

By Patrick Herron

Published September 1, 2022 at 1:54PM

Letters of application must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 7.

In additional to Ms. Chiles (Democrat), other members of the Board are Harriet Davidson (Democrat), and Barbara S. Fredericks (Unaffiliated). By law, no more than two of the three members of the Merit System Protection Board may be of the same political party. The appointee for this position may be Republican, Democrat, someone who declines to affiliate with a party, or a member of another party officially recognized by the Board of Elections.

MoCoShow High School Football Preseason Top 10; Preseason Podcast

By MCS Staff

Published September 1, 2022 at 11:15AM

MoCoShow High School Football Preseason Top 10

1. Quince Orchard

Montgomery County to Offer Free Webinar Series on Installing EV Charging Stations in Condos, Co-ops and Townhome Communities on Sept. 6 and Sept. 11

By Patrick Herron

Published September 1, 2022 at 10:39AM

The webinars will take place from 6 -8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6, and from 10 a.m.-noon. on Sunday, Sept. 11.

During the webinars, participants will learn what is needed to install EV charging stations in their communities. Experts will answer questions on subjects including:

Ninth Annual Montgomery County Free ‘Friendship Picnic’ to Celebrate Diverse Cultures and Faiths on Sunday, Sept. 18, in Wheaton

By Patrick Herron

Published August 31, 2022 at 2:16PM

Wheaton Regional Park is located at located at 2000 Shorefield Rd. in Wheaton. A free satellite parking shuttle service to and from the Wheaton Ice Rink and athletic fields will be available.

This free event is an initiative of the Montgomery County Committee Against Hate/Violence (CAHV), which works to eradicate acts of hate and intimidation through community education, advocacy, collaboration and legislation.

The MoCoShow High School Football Week 1 Preview and Predictions

By Damon Anderson

Published August 31, 2022 at 9:58AM | Updated September 1, 2022 at 11:26AM

Rockville vs Kennedy – The Rams are coming off of a solid 6-3 season. Senior DB Kejuan Braxton will be leaned on as they take on the Cavaliers who are looking to take a step up from last year’s 3-6 record. Massey prediction: Rockville by 14

Watkins Mill vs Springbrook – The Blue Devils who finished 3-6 last year will be led by Senior RB Christian Traylor and Senior WR Sammy John. They will take on Watkins Mill who will look to improve on their 0-9 record from last year. Look for Senior WR Michael Safo to make an impact. Massey prediction: Springbrook by 20

Dunkin’ Offering Teachers Free Coffee on September 1

By MCS Staff

Published August 31, 2022 at 7:42AM

On Thursday, Sept. 1, participating Dunkin’ locations will offer a free medium hot or iced coffee for educators. Teachers just have to ask for their free coffee, with no proof or ID necessary. We have been told that most, but not all, Dunkin’ locations are participating.

Dunkin’ is also holding a sweepstakes to reward select teachers across the country. From September 1 to October 5, customers can submit nominations for Dunkin’s “Raise A Cup to Teachers” sweepstakes. The website to send in names will go live at midnight on Thursday, September 1st.