Maryland

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Larry Hogan today announced $100 million in funding through the Maryland’s Final FY 2023-2028 Consolidated Transportation Program to advance the I-81 Phase 2 project in Washington County into construction. The I-81 Phase 2 project has long been a top priority for Western Maryland and will support economic and job growth, improve safety, ease congestion, and reinforce supply chain reliability for Maryland and the entire region.

“Our administration has been committed to making these transformative improvements to the I-81 corridor from day one, because it is such a critical economic lifeline for the communities and businesses of Western Maryland, and it is vital to our interstate supply chain,” said Governor Hogan. “We are proud to move this project forward in spite of federal inaction, and look forward to seeing all the jobs and opportunities it will deliver for the region. This is another way we are keeping our promises and changing Maryland for the better.”


Rockville

Per the City of Rockville: Rockville rings in the Year of the Rabbit this month with performances and interactive displays, at the city’s Lunar New Year celebration. The annual celebration, organized by the city in partnership with Rockville’s Asian Pacific American Task Force, will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Thomas S. Wootton High School, 2100 Wootton Parkway. Admission is free.

Multicultural performances will be from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Confirmed performers include kung fu by US Chinese Wushu Institute, drumming by Peace Mission Korean Dance Group, a piano selection by Seasharp Music Studio, opera by DC Beauty of Beijing Opera Ltd., and dance performances by dance by Xiaorong Dance Arts, Natananjali School of Dance, and Fairfax County Dance Troupe.


Rockville

Per the City of Rockville: The City of Rockville is giving away 150 radon test kits to city residents for National Radon Action Month. The test kit involves placing a small measuring device in the basement or the lowest level of your home, raised three feet off the ground, in the middle of the room for two to four days. Once the test is completed, follow the directions on the test kit packaging to mail the device to a laboratory for the results. Reservations for a free test kit, a link to discounted $3 kits and more can be found at www.rockvillemd.gov/radon.

A new radon law goes into effect Sunday, Jan. 1 in Rockville that applies Montgomery County’s home energy disclosure and radon testing laws to the sale of single-family homes and townhomes in Rockville. The change provides home buyers with access to important home health and energy information.


MoCo Recreation

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Recreation Center membership passes will be free for County residents in 2023. Starting Jan. 3, a free pass will provide access to fully equipped fitness rooms, open gym (drop-in) activities and game rooms at any community recreation center during regularly scheduled hours. The free pass does not include access to aquatic centers. For aquatic center pass information and prices, visit Aquatic Passes – Department of Recreation – Montgomery County, Maryland (montgomerycountymd.gov).

“We are pleased to be offering this service free to our residents in 2023,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “As we head into the new year and many are renewing their fitness goals, I encourage our County residents to take advantage of these great spaces. Make sure to head to a community recreation center near you to check out all they have to offer. Thank you to the team at Montgomery County Recreation for helping make this happen.”


MoCo Government

Per Montgomery County: The Policing Advisory Commission (PAC) of Montgomery County is holding a virtual public forum on Jan. 9, 2023, to solicit community testimony and feedback on traffic enforcement in the County by the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD). Other police departments — municipalities, park police, state police, etc. — are not under the PAC’s purview. Community members are invited to register to provide live testimony during the public hearing or to submit written, audio, or video testimony. Community members are asked to limit their live testimony to no more than three minutes and to one speaker per organization (if applicable). Written, audio, and visual testimony submitted prior to the public hearing may be longer, if needed. The deadline to register to speak at the public hearing is 4 p.m. on Jan. 9, 2023.

The PAC believes that traffic enforcement practices in the County do not meet basic tests of effectiveness, efficiency, and equal enforcement, and that a change in mission, focus, and strategy is necessary. The PAC’s report on traffic enforcement, including recommendations, can be found here. The PAC is very interested in hearing from the Montgomery County community regarding their experience with traffic enforcement, and what changes or improvements they would like to see.


Maryland

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Larry Hogan today announced nearly $10 million in grant awards through the Community Safety Works program to more than 150 business districts, neighborhood associations, local governments and nonprofit organizations across Maryland, expanding on the governor’s Re-Fund The Police Initiative.

Administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), this program improves the livability and economic potential of Maryland communities through targeted investments in crime prevention that impact community safety. With the second round of awards, Community Safety Works has assisted more than 450 organizations.


MoCo Government

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have schedule and program changes for the New Year’s Weekend, Saturday, Dec. 31, through Monday, Jan. 2.


Maryland

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Larry Hogan today announced a $20 million Water Assistance Relief Program that will support residents with water bill debt related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We continue to provide ways—especially during the winter months—to help residents who may have difficulty with their water or heating bills,” said Governor Hogan. “Water systems are encouraged to apply for this funding to ensure savings for customers in the coming months.”


MoCo

It is with great sadness that I note the passing of Dr. Aquilur Rahman who was a pillar of the community and one of the founders of the Montgomery County Muslim Council. Read my full statement. https://t.co/fnys3JUgek pic.twitter.com/CxRT5oqLdi


Derwood

The shelter is still full of animals waiting to find their new homes. Many types of animals are available for adoption including birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, reptiles, cats and dogs. Adopting is easy—and even easier with $0 adoption fees. The adoption process can be started online by filling out the adoption questionnaire and emailing in the required documents. Adopters also can choose to visit the Adoption Center during open hours to start the process in-person. The questionnaire, required documents and more information about the adoption process can be found at montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/adoption/howtoadopt.

New animals arrive at the shelter every day. Potential adopters are encouraged to view who is available for adoption online at montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/adoption before their visit to the facility. Adoptions are first-come, first-served by appointment. Walk-in appointments are subject to counselor availability. Adoptions are same-day and animals are not held for adopters so they should be prepared to take an animal home at the time of their appointment. The shelter will be closed for the holidays on Dec. 25 and 26.


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