Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will increase service on 31 Ride On bus routes starting Sunday, Jan. 29. The increases are part of the adjustments to 44 routes overall to improve efficiency based on ridership.

Throughout the year, ridership data and on-time performance are monitored regularly to identify routes that could achieve increased efficiency with schedule updates.

“Public transit that is reliable and on time is critical to the people who count on it,” said County Executive Marc Elrich.  “It is a best practice to regularly evaluate and adjust bus service to ensure needs are being met. Dependable and reliable bus service leads to increased ridership which supports our sustainability efforts, reduces congestion and increases the quality of life for our residents.”

Montgomery County bus route changes starting Jan. 29 will include:

• 31 routes will have increased frequency due to ridership: 1, 2, 5, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 22, 25, 29, 31, 33, 34, 36, 39, 47, 48, 51, 57, 63, 70, 76, 83, 98, 100, 101 and Metro Bus routes L8, T2; Three of these routes also have slight time changes: 18, 48, 76
• Four routes have decreased frequency due to ridership levels: 45, 46, 75, 96
• Nine routes will have time changes for accuracy, but no changes in frequency: 9, 10, 30, 37, 38, 43, 44, 66, 67
• Additionally, 20 of the above-listed routes will have a change in overall hours of operation: 1, 5, 14, 18, 22, 25, 29, 31, 33, 51, 57, 63, 66, 67, 70, 75, 83, 98 and Metro Bus routes L8, T2
• One route has a slight route change with no bus stop, time or frequency changes: 51

Updates that will be made, listed by individual route:

• Route 1: Increased trips on weekdays and Sundays. Significant span changes on Sundays.
• Route 2: Increased trips on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
• Route 5: Increased trips on weekdays. Modest span changes on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Route 8: Increased trips on weekdays.
• Route 9: Schedule time was adjusted seven days a week.
• Route 10: Trip time changes were made on weekdays.
• Route 11: Increased trips on weekdays.
• Route 12: Increased trips on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
• Route 14: Increased trips on weekdays and Saturdays. Modest span changes on weekdays.
• Route 15: Increased trips on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
• Route 17: Increased trips on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
• Route 18: Increased trips on weekdays. Modest span changes were made on Saturdays, and running time was adjusted on Sundays.
• Route 22: Increased trips on weekdays. Modest span changes on weekdays.
• Route 25: Increased trips on weekdays. Modest span changes on weekdays.
• Route 26: Metro Station name change on the route – White Flint to North Bethesda.
• Route 29: Increased trips on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Modest span changes seven days a week.
• Route 30: Trip time changes were made on weekdays.
• Route 31: Increased trips on weekdays. Modest span changes on weekdays.
• Route 33: Increased trips on weekdays. Modest span changes on weekdays.
• Route 34: Increased trips on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
• Route 36: Increased trips on weekdays.
• Route 37: Trip time changes were made on weekdays.
• Route 38: Trip time changes were made on weekdays, and Metro station name change on the route – White Flint to North Bethesda.
• Route 39: Increased trips on weekdays.
• Route 42: Metro Station name change on the route – White Flint to North Bethesda.
• Route 43: Trip time changes were made seven days a week.
• Route 44: Trip time changes were made on weekdays.
• Route 45: Decreased trips on weekdays.
• Route 46: Decreased trips on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Metro Station name change on the route – White Flint to North Bethesda.
• Route 47: Increased trips on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
• Route 48: Trip time changes were made on weekdays. Increased trips on Saturdays and Sundays
• Route 51: Increased trips on weekdays. Modest span changes on weekdays. Now extended to terminate at Georgia Ave ICC Park and Ride.
• Route 57: Increased trips on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Modest span changes seven days a week.
• Route 63: Increased trips on weekdays. Modest span changes on weekdays.
• Route 66: Trip time changes were made on weekdays. Modest span changes on weekdays.
• Route 67: Trip time changes were made on weekdays. Modest span changes on weekdays.
• Route 70: Increased trips on weekdays. Modest span changes on weekdays.
• Route 75: Decreased trips on weekdays. Modest span changes on weekdays.
• Route 76: Increased trips on weekdays. Trip time changes were made on Saturdays.
• Route 81: Metro Station name change on the route – White Flint to North Bethesda.
• Route 83: Increased trips on weekdays and Saturdays. Modest span changes on weekdays and Saturdays.
• Route 96: Decreased trips on weekdays.
• Route 98: Increased trips on weekdays and Saturdays. Modest span changes on weekdays and Saturdays.
• Route 100: Increased trips on weekdays.
• Route 101: Increased trips on weekdays. Metro Station name change on route – White Flint to North Bethesda.
• Route L8: Increased trips on Saturdays and Sundays. Modest span changes on Sundays.
• Route T2: Increased trips on Saturdays and Sundays. Modest span changes on Saturdays and Sundays.

Riders can get County bus schedule and trip planning information by visiting the Ride On Real Time webpage here.

“Being dependable is our priority,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “We are continually making data driven changes to improve consistency and reduce travel times.”

All County buses have a fare of $1 to ride, reduced from the $2 pre-pandemic fare.

For the most up to date service information, follow @RideOnMCT on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Information also is available at rideonbus.com,  by subscribing to receive email alerts or by texting MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 468311 to receive text alerts.

For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s ‘Go Montgomery!’ newsletter.

#  #  #

Per Montgomery County: Cases of canine influenza virus have been reported by a number of veterinary practices in Montgomery County and in other localities within the Washington Region. The Montgomery County Office of Animal Services (OAS) wants dog owners to be aware, and take precautions, regarding the respiratory disease that is caused by a specific strain of the Type A influenza virus and is highly contagious.

The symptoms of canine influenza are cough, runny nose, eye discharge, fever, lethargy and poor appetite. The signs range in severity between no signs at all and severe illness sometimes resulting in death.

Canine influenza is thought to spread in aerosol respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces. It is not transmissible to people. However, people can spread the virus to dogs via their clothing, equipment or hands.

OAS advises dog owners if their pet shows any of the prominent symptoms, it could be infected with canine influenza. Pet owners who suspect their dog may have canine influenza should contact their veterinarian immediately for assessment and early supportive treatment. If a dog is diagnosed with canine influenza, that dog should be separated from other animals for at least 28 days. Infected dogs should not go to dog parks, doggy daycare, grooming and boarding facilities.

Most dogs recover within two-to-three weeks, but some may develop secondary bacterial infections leading to more severe illness.

There is a canine influenza vaccine available, but it is not considered a core vaccine for all dogs. OAS advises, with the current cases occurring in the region, that dog owners speak with their veterinarian about having their dog vaccinated. Dogs that do visit dog parks, doggy daycare or who are boarded when their owners are traveling are more at risk for canine influenza.

While the vaccine may not stop a dog from contracting the virus completely, it will lessen the severity and help reduce the spread.

Additional precautions that dog owners can take to keep their pet safe include:

• Limit direct contact with other dogs when on walks. Do not allow them to sniff one another.
• Avoid using shared toys or dishes.
• Consider skipping daycare, boarding, grooming facilities and dog parks.
• Contact the dog’s daycare or boarding facility and ask about recent cases and cleaning protocols.

Sources to learn more about canine influenza:

• Canine influenza | American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org)
• Key Facts about Canine Influenza (Dog Flu) | Seasonal Influenza (Flu) | CDC
• Vaccine Recommendation Schedule Based on Age at Initial Vaccination and Lifestyle of Dog (aaha.org)

The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center, which is operated by the Office of Animal Services, provides high standard sheltering and care to homeless, abused and neglected animals. It is the County’s only open-admission, municipal shelter. 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 to investigate complaints and respond to animal emergencies 24 hours a day. For more information, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices

# # #

Per Montgomery County:

The Montgomery County Council is currently seeking applicants to fill three upcoming vacancies on the Montgomery County Planning Board. In October 2022, the County Council appointed five temporary acting Planning Board members. All members serve until their successors are appointed. The Council intends to appoint successors, before February 28, 2023, for three members. The Council is expected to appoint the remaining two positions, including the chair, by June 14, 2023 and will advertise to fill those positions at a later date.

The following temporary Board members will vacate their positions at the end of February 2023: Ms. Amy Presley, Mr. David Hill, and Ms. Cherri Branson. The positions are available to fill the unexpired terms of the prior Planning Board members as follows:
One Montgomery County resident registered to vote in the County as a Republican (term ends June 14, 2024);
One Montgomery County resident registered to vote in the County as unaffiliated (term ends June 14, 2025); and
One Montgomery County resident registered to vote in the County as a Democrat (term ends June 14, 2026).

Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, January 13, 2023. Political party affiliation will be verified by the Montgomery County Board of Elections. The selected Planning Board members will serve out the unexpired terms of the prior Board members and must be of the same political party as the Board member who vacated the office. Members generally serve four-year terms and are limited to two full terms. No more than three members of the Planning Board may be from the same political party, and each member must be a resident and registered voter of Montgomery County when appointed.

In addition to Ms. Presley (Republican), Mr. Hill (unaffiliated) and Ms. Branson (Democrat), the current acting Board members are Chair Jeff Zyontz (Democrat) and Mr. Roberto Piñero (Democrat). Annual compensation for Board members is currently $30,000, and the chair currently earns $228,000.

The Planning Board serves as the Council’s principal adviser on land use planning and community planning. Planning Board members also serve as commissioners of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

The Planning Board’s responsibilities with regard to planning include preparation and amendment of the County General Plan; preparation and amendment of master plans and functional plans; formulation of subdivision regulations; preparation of, or recommendations on, text amendments to the County Zoning Code; implementation of the subdivision process by reviewing and approving all preliminary plans, site plans and other plans for development; offering or providing advice on the planning implications of capital facilities and programs of the County government, Montgomery College, WSSC Water, and Montgomery County Public Schools; commenting, under its mandatory referral authority, on plans for public facilities of local, state and federal agencies; and approving the work program and annual operating budget for the Planning Department and the Commission’s bi-county offices.

The Planning Board sits as the Park Commission and approves the following budgets, contracts and policies: the annual Parks Department operating budget and Capital Improvements Program (CIP); land acquisition contracts and major development contracts for parks; development plans for individual park facilities; policies for park operations; and park user fees.

The Planning Board meets all day every Thursday, including many Thursday evenings and will schedule other meetings as needed. The entire Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission meets the third Wednesday of every month. On average, a Planning Board member may spend two full days a week in scheduled and informal meetings. Additionally, substantial time is required for preparatory work and other activities related to Planning Board responsibilities.

Application Process and Deadline

Letters of application expressing interest, including a resume (no more than 4 pages) listing professional and civic experience, political party affiliation, home and office telephone numbers, and an email address, should be addressed to: Council President and emailed to [email protected], or mailed to County Council Office, Stella B. Werner Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850.

Letters of application and resumes are made public as part of the appointment process and are available for public review (personal contact information is redacted). The interviews are conducted in public and will be televised.

Letters with resumes must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, January 13. It is the Council’s policy not to consider applications received after the deadline. After the closing date, Councilmembers will review the letters of application and select applicants for interviews.

Other Requirements

A financial disclosure statement of assets, debts, income and family property interests will be required to be filed by each applicant with the State Ethics Commission. The financial disclosure form will be sent after receipt of application letters. Only the financial disclosure statement of the ultimate appointees will be made available to the public. In addition, an interview, under oath, regarding potential conflicts of interest, will be conducted of applicants by the Office of the County Attorney under Section 15-104 of the Land Use Article of the Maryland Code. The transcript of the full interview of each appointee will be made public, as required by law. Persons hired for this position must provide proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (with limited religious or medical exceptions). A criminal background check will also be required.

Clearance sales are underway at the Lakeforest Mall Macy’s (701 Russell Ave) in Gaithersburg. Last week Macy’s confirmed to Axios that it will be closing several locations in 2023. Currently everything in the store is between 10-40% off and discounts will increase as the store gets closer to its closing date.
Click here to see a list of what stores are still open inside of Lakeforest Mall.

This was one of the largest hurdles in order for WRS Inc. to reach its target date of 2024 for demolition of the mall and the start of new construction. A more specific date will be available after the approval of sketch plans. The City of Gaithersburg Joint Planning Commission/Mayor and City Council Hearing on the plan is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023 at at City Hall, 31 S. Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

WRS purchased the core, ponds, and forest conservation of the mall back in 2019 and added the four anchor sites earlier this year, spending a total of $75 million to acquire Lakeforest Mall. At a meeting in October, WRS announced that they have worked with the City of Gaithersburg since March and plan to submit their zoning application and sketch plan in the next couple weeks. As mentioned above, the target date for demolition of the mall and the start of new construction is currently 2024, with a more specific date to come after the approval of sketch plans. The sketch plan requires at least 35% “green space” and WRS stated that initial sketches are currently at a little more than 35%. Green space is defined as trees, grass, walking/biking areas, etc.

The current retention pond will be “cleaned up” and a boardwalk is in the plans for a dining experience on the water  that was described as being similar to what is available at nearby Rio Lakefront. WRS has also heard from several different movie theaters that are geared towards adults with food offerings and a bar, mentioning one that has a very robust civic program that would allow community groups to use one theater per week for their own functions. No specific names were given and it was noted that a discussion “doesn’t mean it’ll happen”.

A national builder has signed on to build all the various type of housing that will be available at the new development (areas G-P in the map pictured below). The name has not been released yet because the builder wants to announce it in a future press release. MCDOT has would also like to see an enlarged transit corner that will likely be located in area F. Area C would be heavily retail. “A place you’d go once a week to fill up the car with things you’d bring home to fill up the pantry.” A few in the crowd began to discuss Costco possibly moving to the new development, but it was never mentioned by WRS. Area D would be designated for medical offices, a space for a business to move its headquarters, lab space, etc.

Per Montgomery County:

Dear Friends,
Year after year, the New Year’s holiday makes us reflective. We have looked back on some of the accomplishments from 2022 in a video that looked at economic, environmental and educational gains. If you have not had a chance to view it, it is well worth your time.

This week’s video is looking ahead at the challenges we must address in 2023, including creating affordable housing solutions that challenge the status quo so we can protect renters, preserve affordable housing options available today and produce more units that are affordable for working families.

We must also continue our efforts to combat climate change and achieve our goal of reducing greenhouse gases by 100 percent in the next 12 years. We can do this by further expanding solar, electrifying our fleet, investing in our electric vehicle infrastructure, and continuing to implement and improve upon our smart and innovative policies on building energy standards.

We must also drive home the message that our roads are meant for more than just cars. We are putting record amounts of money into our Flash Bus Rapid Transit program, and will work with our State delegation and new State leadership to keep that progress going. In the past, business leaders have cited our lack of mass transit options as a reason to avoid moving to Montgomery County. We cannot let this issue continue to act like a roadblock to our economic development.

We went from 11 pedestrians killed on Montgomery County roads in 2021 to 42 in 2022. This increase comes even as we are spending more money on trying to protect all travelers–cyclists, pedestrians and drivers. Our Vision Zero goal of eliminating deaths and serious injuries on our roads by 2050 remains in place with more safety projects lined up for 2023. I encourage everyone to learn about upcoming Vision Zero events happening nearby and help us drive down the number of people seriously hurt and killed in crashes as soon as possible.

I’m also excited to continue our momentum on the economic development front. Last fall we signed an agreement with the University of Maryland College Park, University of Maryland, Baltimore, and University of Maryland Medical System to bring the UM3 (the Institute for Health Computing) to North Bethesda. Combined with the collaboration opportunities with local business, the Universities of Maryland at Shady Grove, and Montgomery College, this is a major opportunity for State’s economy and education opportunities.

As noted in Bethesda Beat’s look at the top stories in 2022, education leaders are calling the advanced research facility a “game changer.” I believe the new facility will also help bolster our already outstanding life sciences hub in Montgomery County, be a catalyst for further business expansion and help spur development around the North Bethesda Metro Station for years to come.

We are set up an incredible year ahead with an expanded and historically diverse County Council as well as new incoming administration in Annapolis.

It is time to work on solutions that unite us instead of divide us.

Health Update

The World Health Organization this week called the new XBB.1.5 COVID-19 subvariant “the most transmissible subvariant that has been detected yet.” This subvariant has been doubling in our nation over the past two weeks, and specifically, in the Northeast portion of the country, including Montgomery County. This subvariant is already close to 40 percent of the new cases we are seeing. It is clearly a “wake-up call” for everyone to get the new bivalent booster.

It is ridiculous that we are still using the “fully vaccinated” term when that is meaningless at his point. It is simple: if you have not received the new bivalent booster vaccine, you are not fully protected.

Throughout the holidays, we encouraged County residents to be careful around loved ones and to get their vaccine boosters. We should have seen our numbers swell into the winter break. However, as you can see from this chart above, demand for our bivalent booster is waning with only 31 percent of all County residents receiving an updated booster.

In December, we also saw 41 COVID-19 deaths in our County and 226 in Maryland. Those are the highest totals since last February. Our community level status remains in the “medium” category mostly due to more of our hospital beds being used to treat patients with COVID.

There is no reason for anyone to die from COVID when booster shots have been proven safe and are widely available. Vaccine information continues to be available on our website.

I continue to follow the advice of our health experts who are closely monitoring how the virus is impacting our community through hospitalizations and community spread. They will let us know if further steps need to be taken to protect our community. Additional measures are not needed right now, but we have the tools to protect ourselves, chief among them vaccines and boosters. Do not wait until your next doctor’s visit. As long as you are not showing flu-like symptoms, you can get your flu and booster shots through a physician or a nearby pharmacy.

If you find yourself in an indoor public space, please choose to wear a mask. Over the last several weeks, RSV, flu and now COVID are leading to more people visiting emergency rooms and ending up in the hospital. Washing your hands and staying home when you are sick are also ways to prevent the spread of viruses.

We have dealt with an early onset of RSV cases, an early surge of flu cases and now we are heading into January and February, which were the two deadliest months for COVID-19 last year. We are far better prepared to respond and deal with outbreaks, but dealing with this “tri-demic” of health threats has put our health care community under stress for the last several months. Let’s keep them in mind as we return to our normal routines and head into the last few months of flu season.

Too Many Police Cruisers Being Hit

We just completed a busy holiday season on the roads that came with an increased danger to police officers and state police keeping our roads safe. Since Maryland’s Move Over Law went into effect in October, five police cruisers have been hit by drivers on our State highways and roads. Luckily, these accidents were not deadly and did not cause any serious injuries, but they should serve as a reminder that this new law is in place specifically to help protect police, fire, other emergency responders and resident who may be stuck on the side of the road.

If you see flashing lights while driving, please slow down while passing and move over when possible. The new law also protects vehicles stopped on the side of the road and showing signs of trouble like hazard lights or flares. Please obey the “Move Over” law.

The region’s “holiday task force,” which included the Montgomery County Police Department, focused specifically on reducing the number of impaired drivers on the roads. It resulted in more than 250 arrests from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. That is just a fraction of the number of drivers stopped and checked. This is a video produced by our police department following the steps officers go through to determine when someone has had too much to drink. Thanks to all of the officers who put in extra time over the last six weeks to keep roads safe and to all the drivers who chose to get home safely without putting lives in danger.

Winter Coat Drive

A one-week coat drive to fill an emergency need in our community brought in more than 400 coats. Coats were collected at the Silver Spring Regional Services Office, recreation centers across the County and in the District 3 police station.

Coat drives are not uncommon ahead of cold months, but plans for a 500-coat donation from a major retailer were delayed leading to this emergency effort.

I want to thank Silver Spring Cares Inc., CHEER, the Montgomery County Police, Montgomery County Recreation and the Silver Spring Regional Services Office for providing a way for the community to help. An online forum was also created to help raise money to buy even more coats and that has generated more than $5,000 in donations. You can keep up with that effort by following this link.

Free Fitness Pass for County Residents in 2023

I am also very happy about the campaign that our recreation department has taken on to improve the health and wellness across the County by offering free fitness passes to residents. In order to improve health outcomes, we have to make fitness facilities and programs accessible to all our residents. I am urging everyone to take advantage of the County’s free fitness pass program. All County residents 16 and older are eligible for a 2023 Fitness Pass at no charge. The pass does not include free access to aquatic centers.

There are close to two dozen recreation centersthroughout the County, making it easy to find a fully equipped fitness room near work or home. The new year is a time when many people are reenergized to get to the gym, and this gives them a no-cost opportunity to do that.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,

Marc Elrich
County Executive

 

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will offer online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting job seekers throughout January. All workshops are free.
The schedule of workshops:

• Tuesday, Jan. 17, and Tuesday, Jan. 24. 10:15 a.m.-noon. Computer Classes (intermediate) at Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library, 900 Wayne Ave., Silver Spring. Two-week class will introduce the basics of Microsoft Excel. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7634703
• Mondays throughout January, 9:30-11:30 a.m. H.I.R.E. (Helping Individuals Reach Employment) Sessions – Virtual* Sign up to meet virtually/confidentially one-on-one with a career counselor for advice and assistance with your job search. Register at:
  • Monday, Jan. 9: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7697161
  • Monday, Jan. 23: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7697470
  • Monday, Jan. 30: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7697584
• Mondays throughout January, 2-4 p.m. at Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library, 900 Wayne Ave., Silver Spring. Job and Resume Help Program. Get help with job related topics. The 30-minute one-on-one appointments will be first come first served and will take place in Meeting Room #1 on the 3rd Floor. No registration required.
  • Monday, Jan. 9: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7656202
  • Monday, Jan. 23: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7656203
  • Monday, Jan. 30: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7656204
• Mondays, 10:15 a.m.-noon. Computer Class (Basic) at Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library, 900 Wayne Ave., Silver Spring. A two-week class for adults, offering an introduction to using a computer. Perfect for beginners.
  • Monday, Jan. 9, and Monday, Jan. 23. 10:15 a.m.- noon. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7601261
  • Monday, Jan. 30, and Monday, Feb. 6. 10:15 a.m.- noon. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7601259
• Wednesday, Jan.11. 1-3 p.m. Interviewing for Success – Virtual*. Learn how to differentiate yourself from other candidates, be Zoom ready, package your experience, tell your story, be ready for challenging questions and feel more confident in your next interview. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7707754
• Tuesday, Jan. 17. 1-3 p.m. Job Search Strategies – Virtual*. Learn about best practices for conducting a job search. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7707811
• Tuesday/Thursday, Jan. 17 and 19: 5:30-8 p.m. LinkedIn Boot Camp for 45-and-over Job Seekers (Session I/Session II) – Virtual*. Two-session/two-day workshop focuses on both the mechanics and strategy of using LinkedIn as a tool to conduct a successful job search. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7053230.
• Tuesday, Jan. 17. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Support for Success: Montgomery College at the Library – Virtual*. Returning to school can be a challenge. Meeting the demands of home, work, and school can be stressful. Information and resources to help make your return to school a success. Space is limited. Registration is strongly recommended but not required. Priority will be given to registered customers. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7425645
• Resume and Cover Letter Writing Workshop. Learn how to make your cover letter and resume stand out to potential employers.
  • Thursday, Jan. 19. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Long Branch Library, 8899 Garland Ave., Silver Spring. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7709447.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 31. 1-3 p.m. at Damascus Library, 9701 Main St., Damascus. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7698695
• Wednesday, Jan.18. 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. How to Apply for Jobs with Montgomery County Government – Virtual*. Learn how to apply for jobs with the Montgomery County Government. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7665454

*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]

A $50,000 winning Bonus Match 5 lottery ticket sold on December 27 at the Fenton Citgo (8333 Fenton Street) in Silver Spring remains unclaimed as of January 3. Other recent MoCo winners of note include a $10,000 winning Powerball ticket sold on December 27 at the 7-Eleven at 1301 University Boulevard in Takoma Park and a $20,000 winning Lady Luck scracth-off sold at the 7-Eleven at 29 Olney-Sandy Spring Road in Ashton. Additional information on winners across the state of Maryland below, courtesy of MD Lottery:

Players across Maryland won more than $32.2 million during week ending Jan. 1
A $1 million scratch-off winner in Severn and a Multi-Match jackpot-winning ticket worth $690,000 sold in Landover were the biggest Maryland Lottery prizes of the week. Meanwhile, another five players landed prizes of $100,000 on tickets sold in Baltimore (two), Glen Burnie, Landover and Waldorf. In all, 43 players across the state won or claimed prizes of $10,000 or more, and the Lottery paid more than $32.2 million in prizes in the seven days ending Jan. 1.

Winners of prizes larger than $25,000 must redeem their tickets at the Maryland Lottery Claims Center in Baltimore, which is open by appointment only. Prizes of up to $5,000 can be claimed at any of more than 400 Expanded Cashing Authority Program (XCAP) locations. All Maryland Lottery retailers are authorized to redeem tickets up to and including $600. More information is available on the How To Claim page of mdlottery.com.

Here is the weekly roundup of big winners:

Scratch-off Prizes Claimed Dec. 26, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023:

$1 Million Prize

• Show Me $1,000,000!, 7-Eleven #25410, 500 Donaldson Avenue, Severn

$100,000 Prizes

• $100,000 Lucky, Ardwick Liquors, 8307 Ardwick-Ardmore Road, Landover
• Lucky Times 10, Edmondson Crown, 6122 Edmondson Avenue, Baltimore
• Lucky Times 10, M&K Mini Mart, 223 North Howard Street, Baltimore
• Mega 7s, Westlake Liquors, 1182 Smallwood Drive West, Waldorf

$50,000 Prizes

• Deluxe Crossword 7th Edition, Edmondson Liquors, 2000 Edmondson Avenue, Baltimore
• Holiday Ca$h, Walmart #5228, 6405 Dobbin Road, Columbia

$30,000 Prizes

• Diamond Bingo, Xpress Mart, 7760 Baltimore-Annapolis Boulevard, Glen Burnie
• Peppermint Payout, Ye Olde Package Goods, 887 Sandusky Road, Sykesville

$20,000 Prizes

• Lady Luck, 7-Eleven #26997, 29 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Ashton
• Lady Luck, Rodman’s Discount Gourmet, 5148 Nicholson Lane, Kensington

$10,000 Prizes

• $100,000 Crossword 6th Edition, Wawa #583-E, 27605 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville
• Blizzard Bucks, Safeway #1815, 337 East Ridgeville Boulevard, Mount Airy
• Lady Luck, Dutch Liquors, 2325 Cleanleigh Drive, Baltimore
• Lucky Times 10, Royal Farms #065, 630 Edgewood Road, Edgewood
• Lucky Times 10, Wawa #587-E, 22530 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park
• Lucky Times 10, Wegmans #125, 10100 Reisterstown Road, Owings Mills
• Million Dollar Mega Multiplier, Winfield Wine & Spirits, 1707-1709 West Liberty Road, Westminster
• Money Explosion, Wegmans #47, 8855 McGaw Road, Columbia
• Ravens X5, Giant #128, 2145 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium
• Six Figures, 7-Eleven #23698, 6401 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore
• Six Figures, Triple A Tobacco, 7954 Belair Road, Nottingham

FAST PLAY and Draw Game Tickets Sold for Drawings Dec. 26, 2022- Jan. 1, 2023:

BONUS MATCH 5

• $50,000 ticket sold Dec. 27 at Fenton Citgo, 8333 Fenton Street, Silver Spring (unclaimed as of Jan. 3)

FAST PLAY

• $100,000 Towering 10s ticket sold Dec. 27 at Royal Farms #022-E, 200 Oak Manor Drive, Glen Burnie (unclaimed as of Jan. 3)
• $20,000 Winfall Doubler ticket sold Dec. 30 at Royal Farms #185, 118 Mount Carmel Road, Parkton (claimed)

MEGA MILLIONS

• $10,000 ticket sold Dec. 29 at Harris Teeter #409, 22700 Sweet Shrub Drive, Clarksburg (claimed)
• $10,000 ticket sold Dec. 30 at Wings Sports Bar & Café, 8406 Washington Boulevard, Jessup (claimed)
• $10,000 ticket sold Dec. 27 at 7-Eleven #28808, 1301 University Boulevard, Takoma Park (unclaimed as of Jan. 3)

MUTI-MATCH

• $690,000 ticket sold Dec. 23 (for the Dec. 26 drawing) at Safeway #1815, 337 East Ridgeville Boulevard, Mount Airy (unclaimed as of Jan. 3)

PICK 5

• $50,000 ticket sold Dec. 31 at Old Fitzgerald’s Liquors, 7701 Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro (unclaimed as of Jan. 3)
• $50,000 ticket sold Jan. 1 at Food Mart Citgo, 11901 Business Park Drive, Waldorf (unclaimed as of Jan. 3)
• $25,000 ticket sold Dec. 27 at Wawa #578-E, 4017 North Point Boulevard, Dundalk (claimed)
• $25,000 ticket sold Jan. 1 at Suitland Road Exxon, 6500 Suitland Road, Morningside (unclaimed as of Jan. 3)
• $25,000 ticket sold Dec. 30 at Charles Station, 3030 St. Charles Parkway, Waldorf (unclaimed as of Jan. 3)

RACETRAX

• $36,400 ticket sold Dec. 27 at Phoenix CMF, 14243 Jarrettsville Pike, Phoenix (unclaimed as of Jan. 3)
• $21,378 ticket sold Dec. 30 at Crown Salisbury, 28768 Ocean Gateway, Salisbury (claimed)
• $20,381 ticket sold Dec. 29 at Green Valley Marketplace, 1238 Baydale Drive, Arnold (claimed)
• $19,702.80 ticket sold Dec. 28 at High’s #062, 2861 Jessup Road, Jessup (claimed)
• $16,432.60 ticket sold Dec. 28 at Super Convenience, 6010 66^th Avenue, Riverdale (claimed)
• $14,465 ticket sold Dec. 31 at Rodman’s Discount Stores, 4301 Randolph Road, Silver Spring (unclaimed as of Jan. 3)
• $11,971 ticket sold Dec. 28 at Manokeek Wine & Spirits, 7091 Berry Road, Accokeek (unclaimed as of Jan. 3)
• $10,860.80 ticket sold Dec. 29 at Pikesville Mobil, 1509 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville (claimed)
• $10,616 ticket sold Dec. 31 at AJ Liquors, 3801 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood (unclaimed as of Jan. 3)

The Maryland Lottery encourages players to check their tickets by scanning them at any Lottery retailer or with the Lottery’s mobile apps. Draw game winners have 182 days from the date of a drawing to claim their prizes, and scratch-off winners have 182 days from the announced end-of-game date.

Last claim dates for scratch-off tickets are published in the scratch-off section of mdlottery.com.

 

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.”

Membership makes it easy for residents to work out close to home, near their office or at any center location that is convenient for them. Passes include both the gym and weight room. Non-County residents can purchase a pass for $20 for one month, $80 for six months and $150 for one year. Visit the website for more information.

Plan for the new year! Recreation center fitness passes will be FREE in 2023 for County residents. Beginning Jan. 3, residents can register for the fitness pass in-person at the centers. Details ➡️ https://t.co/Gmpd8R5yPD. pic.twitter.com/nk6KtiwhYr

— Montgomery County Recreation (@MoCoRec) December 28, 2022

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.

The kinds of questions the PAC would like addressed include:

The kinds of questions the PAC would like addressed include:

• The mission of traffic enforcement by police is to make roadways safer. What do you think effective traffic enforcement looks like?
• What do you think racially-equitable enforcement should look like?
• There is some evidence that when the police traffic enforcement is focused only on serious traffic offenses safety is improved more than with a program of many low-level stops — and it reduces racial disparities in traffic stops. In your personal experience, were you pulled over for minor violations?  Did minor violations lead to longer questions, additional citations, even searches or arrest?
• What can the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) do to help the public view traffic enforcement in a more positive, more effective light?
• MCPD traffic officers based in the six police districts provide enforcement based on resident requests. What has your experience been trying to get specific enforcement, or being pulled over for specific enforcement initiatives?
• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the use of automated red-light and speed cameras should be a primary strategy for reducing the number and severity of motor vehicle crashes. Do you want more or fewer cameras in your neighborhood?  Do you think they are effective, just revenue collectors, or both?  Do you think camera placement is objective?
• Would easy, accessible “data dashboards” (government websites of up-to-date data on a particular subject) make the public feel the department is more transparent about traffic enforcement?
• Would a data dashboard overlaying enforcement cameras and accidents make the public feel the department is more transparent about traffic enforcement?
• Would you find it helpful for the MCPD to publish complaint data for each of the county’s six police districts?
• Do you feel you have been subject to a pretextual stop by the MCPD? (i.e. pulled over for something minor like expired registration, only to have police question you as if you were engaged in more serious crime?
• If you have been searched by officers of the MCPD, did you feel it was justified by the situation? Did the police find anything illegal?
• Would you be interested in the MCPD publishing an annual traffic enforcement report?

Background

The Policing Advisory Commission was created in 2019 by the Montgomery County Council in response to the ongoing public dialogue around policing practices and as an effort to increase community involvement in matters of public safety. The Commission’s mission is to advise the Council on policing matters and recommend policies, programs, legislation or regulations with regards to policing.

The Commission is composed of 13 public voting members and 2 non-voting, ex-officio members – the police chief (or his designee) and the president of an employee organization. The current members of the Commission are:

• Eric Sterling (Chair)
• Ty McKinney (Vice Chair)
• Kristy Daphnis
• Christina DeLane
• Laurie Eckstrand
• Ruhama Endishaw (youth member under 25)
• Jenn Lynn
• Vernon Ricks
• Cherri Branson (temporary leave of absence)
• Captain Jordan Satinsky (ex officio member)
• Sergeant Cate Brewer (ex officio member)
• (There are two vacancies)

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.