MoCo Archives - Page 12 of 218

Published September 9, 2022 at 7:44AM

The 15-member Commission consists of nine voting public members nominated and appointed by the County Council; four voting public members nominated by the County Executive and appointed by the County Council; and two non-voting ex officio members appointed by the County Council: the Police Chief or the Police Chief’s designee, and the President of an employee organization certified under Article V of Chapter 33 (Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35) or the President’s designee.

The Commission must: 1) advise the Council on policing matters; 2) provide information regarding best practices on policing matters; 3) recommend policies, programs, legislation, or regulations; 4) comment on matters referred to it by the Council; 5) conduct at least one public forum each year for community input on policing matters; 6) accept correspondence and comments from members of the public; and 7) engage in public education. The Commission must submit an annual report to the Executive and Council on its functions, activities, accomplishments and plans and objectives, by July 1 of each year.

MoCo Government

Montgomery County Council Committees to Meet on Monday, September 12

By Patrick Herron

Published September 8, 2022 at 8:56PM

The Public Safety (PS) Committee will meet on Monday, Sept. 12, at 9:30 a.m. to receive a briefing on the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) Fire and Explosive Investigations (FEI) Unit.

The members of the PS Committee include Chair Sidney Katz, Council President Gabe Albornoz and Councilmember Tom Hucker.

Bethesda

Classes for Adults to Learn Basic Bicycle Skills and Training Will Be Available in September, October and November

By Patrick Herron

Published September 7, 2022 at 5:49PM

Each class begins at 10 a.m. and lasts for three hours. The classes are open to residents 18-and-over who have never previously ridden a bike or who have not done so in a long time.

Advance registration is required to participate in the “Learn to Ride and Basic Skills Training Bike Classes.” The cost of each class is $10 for Montgomery County residents. There is no charge for WABA or Capital Bikeshare members. Classes are limited to 25 people and often fill up quickly.

MoCo Government

Asian American Health Initiative Launches ‘Healthy Communities Fund’ to Support Local Organizations

By Patrick Herron

Published September 7, 2022 at 3:41PM

The $830,000 Healthy Communities Fund was part of County Executive Marc Elrich’s recommended Fiscal Year 2023 operating budget for DHHS and was part of the budget adopted by the County Council.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for, and the complexity of services provided to, minority communities, including the Asian American and Pacific Islander community,” said County Executive Elrich.  “We have one of the most diverse communities in the U.S. and the Healthy Communities Fund will provide financial help to organizations who work every day providing needed services to our residents.  The COVID-19 Relief Fund used in Fiscal Year 2022 was successful.  I am glad we can continue providing financial help.”

Health

Montgomery County to Host Virtual Town Hall Meeting on Monkeypox on Monday, Sept. 12, With Focus on Latino Community

By Patrick Herron

Published September 7, 2022 at 9:03AM

Panelists in the town hall will include the Latino Health Initiative’s Luis Aguirre, Proyecto Salud’s Executive Director Cesar Palacios, Acting County Health Officer James Bridgers and the County Department of Health and Human Services’ Director Raymond Crowel. The panel discussion will be moderated by Lorna Virgilí, the County’s Hispanic public information officer.

The panelists will provide an update on the current monkeypox situation in Montgomery County and Maryland. They will provide information on the County’s monkeypox vaccine program and answer questions about prevention and treatment.

MoCo Government

Councilmember Craig Rice Announces Councilmember for a Day Challenge for Students

By Patrick Herron

Published September 6, 2022 at 6:31PM | Updated September 6, 2022 at 6:53PM

Initially an essay contest, Councilmember Rice partnered last year with Montgomery County Public Schools and Montgomery College to enhance the program by incorporating afterschool virtual instruction on digital storytelling. Open to students in eighth through twelfth grades, each participant will be provided with a loaner iPad and mentored by a trained instructor on inclusive storytelling through digital journalism. The culminating project for students is a video on a public policy issue from whom a winning video will be selected. The winner will be the guest of honor at a Council breakfast, receive a Council proclamation, serve as an honorary Councilmember for a Day, and receive prizes to enable their continued digital storytelling.

Last year, Allison Fan submitted the winning video which advocated for more comprehensive education on eating disorders. Through her engaging visuals and relaying her personal message regarding her own challenges, the video provided important information about eating disorders afflicting our youth.

MoCo

Montgomery County Holiday Schedule for Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 5

By Patrick Herron

Published September 4, 2022 at 1:15PM

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will observe schedule and program changes for the observance of Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 5. County […]

MoCo

Montgomery County Councilmembers Jawando and Rice and Council President Albornoz Host Council’s African Heritage Month Commemoration on Sept. 13

By Patrick Herron

Published September 4, 2022 at 11:59AM

“Montgomery County’s strength is truly derived from its diversity. For centuries, the African diaspora has significantly contributed to our economic, cultural and social fabric and positively influenced many civilizations around the world. I am proud that Montgomery County is celebrating African Heritage Month for the second year in a row, and most importantly that the Council will host our celebration in person for the very first time,” said Council President Albornoz. “It is through hard work, perseverance and determination that the African community sustains our County and fortifies our collective vision to achieve prosperity for all.”

“Fourteen years ago, Montgomery County became the first in the nation to proclaim the month of September as African Heritage Month,” said Councilmember Jawando. “As the son of a Nigerian father, this celebration is important to me as we continue to honor the diverse cultures within the African diaspora and their contributions to our county and nation. This year, we will recognize African leaders from five different countries, celebrating their achievements in the fields of music, dance, art, culinary arts and designing traditional African attire. Montgomery County is home to more than 54,000 Africans, who make up 15 percent of the overall immigrant population. African Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize one of our biggest strengths in Montgomery County, our rich diversity.”

MoCo

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

By Patrick Herron

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.

MoCo Government

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.

Health

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.”