MoCo Archives - Page 27 of 218

Annual Montgomery County Ride On Bus Food Drive to Run from May 15-22

Published May 6, 2022 at 9:15AM

“We must ensure that no one in Montgomery County goes hungry,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Food insecurity was prevalent before the pandemic hit—and COVID-19 made it even worse. So many people lost jobs and higher food prices continue to make it exceedingly difficult for families to make ends meet. I am grateful to MCDOT and Manna Food Center for this important effort and encourage residents to donate non-perishable food items on all of our buses between May 15 and May 22.”

MCDOT has conducted the food drive for more than 30 years in partnership with Manna Food Center, although the effort was suspended during the two-year COVID-19 health crisis. This year, the food drive also has partnered with Montgomery County Public Libraries and the County’s five Regional Services Centers, which are also taking in non-perishable food donations.

MoCo History

Montgomery History Online Presentation on ‘I Have Started for Canaan: Telling the Sugarland Story’ Available on Monday, May 9

By Patrick Herron

Published May 5, 2022 at 1:05PM

‘I Have Started for Canaan: Telling the Sugarland Story” will be available for viewing through May 16. No registration is required.

The panel also will describe ongoing preservation efforts and speculate about some of the intriguing historical questions that remain to be explored about Sugarland.

Health

Council Vice President Evan Glass Requests Additional Funding for Expanded Access to Abortions for Montgomery County Residents

By Patrick Herron

Published May 5, 2022 at 10:08AM

On Sunday night, Politico reported that the Supreme Court would be voting to strike down Roe v. Wade, according to an initial draft majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito. On Wednesday, Council Vice President Evan Glass sent the following letter to County Marc Elrich requesting expanded access to abortions to Montgomery County residents.

MoCo Government

County Executive Elrich Urges Residents to Recognize ‘National Correctional Officers and Employees Appreciation Week’

By Patrick Herron

Published May 5, 2022 at 8:48AM

“The last few years have been really hard on our correctional officers and employees,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “They have remained very focused on doing their jobs and committed to keeping themselves and the residents of our jails safe. And this was before we had vaccinations. I appreciate them for their diligence and they continue to play a key role in keeping our County safe. I ask the people of Montgomery County to join me in saluting the officers and employees of MCDCR during National Correctional Officers and Employees Week and encourage everyone to acknowledge what they do to ensure the safety and welfare of our community.”

National Correctional Officer and Employees Week is designed to redefine correctional officers and employees and highlight how their work can change lives. Far too often, correctional system workers do not receive recognition for their role as public safety professionals.

Derwood

‘Love is Blooming’ Animal Adoption Event During National Pet Week Continues Through Saturday, May 7, at County Animal Services and Adoption Center

By Patrick Herron

Published May 4, 2022 at 2:58PM

Anyone who submits an adoption questionnaire by May 7 will receive a voucher valid through May 21 for a fee-waived adoption.

Standard adoption procedures are still in place. Interested adopters should visit the website to view available pets. An appointment can be made by filling out the application online, calling the shelter at 240-773-5900 during business hours or by walking in. Patrons with scheduled appointments will have priority over walk-ins. Submitting a questionnaire does not reserve an animal for adoption, which are first-come, first-served by appointment.

Events

City of Rockville Announces Juneteenth Celebration

By Patrick Herron

Published May 4, 2022 at 1:27PM

The holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, when the Union army arrived in Texas bearing federal orders proclaiming the end of slavery. In July 2020, the Mayor and Council approved a resolution making Rockville the first municipality in Maryland to recognize Juneteenth as a paid city holiday.

In 2021, the Montgomery County Council issued the following statement regarding Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday:

Ashton

Montgomery County Woman Wins $50,000 VaxCash 2.0 Prize

By Patrick Herron

Published May 3, 2022 at 3:06PM

“It helps save lives. Mine, as well as others – like my family,” she said. Milagro told Lottery officials that she is looking for a house and the $50,000 prize will go toward her dream of home ownership. “I’m also appreciative of the program and what it has done to encourage others to get the vaccine,” she said. Milagro is one of 11 VaxCash 2.0 winners so far, and one of 10 winners of $50,000. The promotion’s first drawing on Feb. 15 awarded a $500,000 prize to a Dundalk woman. On May 3, a single winner will be selected for a grand prize of $1 million.

The VaxCash 2.0 promotion, which was announced by Gov. Larry Hogan on Feb. 8, is awarding $2 million in cash prizes in weekly drawings from Feb. 15 through today, May 3. VaxCash 2.0 aims to incentivize Marylanders to get COVID-19 booster shots. All Maryland residents 18 and older who had received an initial shot(s) and a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine at eligible facilities in Maryland at any time were eligible to win. No registration or entry was needed.

MoCo Police

Suspect Arrested in Home Invasion Robbery

By Patrick Herron

Published May 3, 2022 at 2:39PM | Updated May 3, 2022 at 4:14PM

Upon arriving in the area where the crime occurred, officers observed an individual, later identified as Zamir Wade Lynn, matching the description of the suspect in the 3100 block of Whispering Pines Dr. Officers approached Lynn and located two firearms in his possession. Lynn is prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm.

Officers spoke with the male victim who stated that he was sleeping in his apartment when he was woken up by Lynn, who had just broken into the apartment. Lynn pointed two handguns at the victim and demanded money. Lynn exited the residence and was then apprehended by officers in the 3100 block of Whispering Pines Dr. Probable cause was developed to identify Lynn as the suspect. Lynn was transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, where he has been charged with home invasion robbery, armed robbery and firearm related charges.

MoCo Government

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich Signs ‘Building Energy Performance Standards’ Legislation into Law

By Patrick Herron

Published May 2, 2022 at 7:19PM

The new law expands the number of buildings covered by the County’s existing Benchmarking Law to include additional County-owned, commercial and multifamily buildings and establish long-term standards for those buildings and require the use of less energy.

At the bill signing, County Executive Elrich stressed the importance of the legislation in realizing the County’s Climate Action Plan goals of eliminating greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. A video of the bill signing ceremony can be viewed at https://youtu.be/eQE5Uezy7MQ.

Traffic

Montgomery County Will Increase Ride On Bus Service Starting Sunday, May 8, with Direct Service From Kensington to Wheaton Added

By Patrick Herron

Published May 2, 2022 at 2:08PM

“We know that many residents depend upon the Ride On bus system for daily trips throughout the County such as work, daycare, health services and other essential trips,” said MCDOT Director, Chris Conklin. “These service improvements are a step in the right direction. They provide access and opportunity to residents who need it.”

Passengers using Montgomery County’s Ride On buses are encouraged to wear a mask, but are no longer required to wear them. The change to the County’s mask policy comes after the announcement on April 18 that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) decided to suspend enforcement of its mask mandate on all modes of public transportation. TSA’s decision came after a Federal judge’s ruling that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s mask mandate was unconstitutional.

MoCo Government

Sierra Club Montgomery County Group Announces 11 Candidate Endorsements for County Council

By Patrick Herron

Published May 2, 2022 at 10:46AM

The Sierra Club Montgomery County Group has announced their list of candidate endorsements for Montgomery County Council seats. The Sierra Club is an environmental protection and advocacy group, which has local chapters throughout all 50 states. According to their website, “the Montgomery County Maryland Group focuses on local issues, including improving public transit, maintaining clean water sources, supporting and monitoring the county’s Climate Protection Plan, and endorsing and supporting green candidates.” Last week, the club announced that they would be endorsing David Blair for Montgomery County Executive, saying that Blair will be a strong and effective leader that has an appealing environmental platform. The primary election will be held on July 19.

Sierra Club looks forward to strong progress on a variety of environmental priorities over the next four years. In particular, we’d like to see substantial forward movement on