MoCo

Bethesda

Arts and Social Justice Fellowship Program Presented by Strathmore and Partner Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company Now Accepting Applications for 2023

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: The Arts and Social Justice Fellowship (ASJF), presented by Strathmore with Core Partner Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company,  is looking toward its second year of identifying a next generation of artists with activism. Applications for the 2023 program are now being accepted, with a deadline of Sunday, Nov. 20. The program supports youth leadership and vision at the intersection of arts and social change.

The fellowship centers youth leadership, young people’s vision of the future and building community in the face of crisis. It was created in 2021 as part of Strathmore and Woolly’s co-presentation of Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower by Toshi Reagon and Bernice Johnson Reagon. It is seeking young artists whose activism reflects Butler’s dynamic lineage. More about the program, and the application form, can be found at 2022 Highlights (strathmore.org). The fellowship will broaden in 2023 to include study of a series of performances taking place at each presenting institution.

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MDLottery

$50,000 Winning Powerball Ticket Sold in MoCo, $2.04 Billion Winning Ticket Sold in California

By Patrick Herron

Powerball has announced that a winning ticket for yesterday’s record $2.04 billion jackpot was sold in the state of California. Originally announced to be $1.9 billion, by the time all sales were counted the final total came in over $2 billion, with a cash value of $997.6 million. The winning numbers were 10 33 41 47 56 and Powerball 10.  Locally, a $50,000 ticket was sold at the Check Cash Depot at 8476 Piney Branch Road in Silver Spring.  Additional details courtesy of the Maryland Lottery:  “Although Monday night’s Powerball drawing was delayed until Tuesday morning, it delivered a record-shattering jackpot on a winning ticket sold in California, along with nine prizes of at least $50,000 on tickets sold in Maryland, including a $1 million second-tier win in Catonsville.

The estimated annuity value of the jackpot stood at $1.9 billion on Monday, but when all sales were finalized, the total had grown to $2.04 billion with a cash value of $997.6 million. It was the largest single jackpot prize in lottery history, surpassing a $1.586 billion Powerball jackpot in 2016 that was shared by winners in California, Florida and Tennessee. The drawing was delayed while one of the jurisdictions that participates in Powerball worked to finalize its sales results. Powerball tickets are sold in 45 states, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The game is operated under strict protocols that require all 48 of those lotteries to finish processing their sales results and report their data before the drawings can take place. The Maryland Lottery was not the source of the delay. Videos of the Powerball and Double Play drawings are available at powerball.com and Powerball’s YouTube channel.

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MoCo Government

Montgomery County Council President Statement on Behalf of the Council on the Passing of Delegate Sheila Hixson

By Patrick Herron

“We have lost a hometown hero who served District 20 residents tirelessly for over four decades in Annapolis, as the longest serving woman in the Maryland General Assembly.

“Del. Hixson’s years of service include advocacy relating to civil rights, education, the environment, and raising awareness of and combatting child abuse, domestic violence and sexual harassment, among other social issues.

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Health

Montgomery County Health Officials Launch COVID-19 Wastewater Surveillance Project

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County health officials, in partnership with the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland-College Park (UMD), recently launched wastewater surveillance to detect COVID-19 circulating in the community. Wastewater surveillance provides an accurate way to detect illness-causing viruses and bacteria, such as SARS-CoV-2. Water samples will be collected bi-weekly at five sites in the County and sent to UMD for analysis. Data and results will be posted on the County’s COVID-19 website and the information will be updated weekly.

“Wastewater surveillance will be a game changer for our efforts to better predict outbreaks and prevent them from happening,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “The partnership between our Department of Health and Human Services, the Maryland Department of Health, the University of Maryland and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission is an important tool to help us protect the health of our residents. With winter around the corner, we want to be prepared if there is another surge in COVID-19 cases and this surveillance system helps us do that.”

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MoCo Government

On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8, Eligible Residents Can Register (and Vote) at Voting Sites

By Patrick Herron

To register and vote on election day, go to the polling place assigned for your residence. Bring a document that proves where you live. The document can be your MVA-issued license, ID card or change of address card. Other valid proof of residence can include a paycheck, bank statement, utility bill or other government document with your name and address.

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MoCo Government

Council Enacts Legislation That Requires Radon Testing in Rental Housing

By Patrick Herron

“I am proud of the collaboration on this bill that prioritized the health and welfare of our residents,” said Councilmember Rice. “Our renters should be able to ensure their home is safe from the presence of high radon levels and the increased risk exposure brings to contracting lung cancer. I appreciate the efforts of our Department of the Environment who regularly conduct outreach on the risks of radon and provide information on obtaining and properly utilizing radon test kits. Radon is an environmental issue and protecting all residents, our renters and owners alike, is imperative to protecting community health.”

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind cigarette smoking. It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is found in soil and rock in all parts of the United States. Radon can enter homes and buildings from the ground, seeping through drains, cracks or other holes in the foundation. The EPA has designated Montgomery County as Zone One meaning that the county is at higher risk of actionable levels of radon. Under Bill 26-22, landlords are required to conduct radon testing of basement units and units in contact with the ground prior to a tenant’s occupancy. If testing indicates a radon level equal to or greater than the EPA recommended action level of four picocuries per liter, landlords must take steps to mitigate the radon risk. Finally, if the level of radon is not mitigated to below the required action level, tenants have the right to terminate their lease without penalty.

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Montgomery Planning

Montgomery County Council Appoints Five Temporary Acting Planning Board Members to Ensure Continuity of Service

By Patrick Herron

“Given the unprecedented challenges at the Montgomery County Planning Board, the Council has selected a diverse group of experienced leaders, who will reset operations, support the Park and Planning staff, and provide a bridge to the next Planning Board,” said Council President Gabe Albornoz.

“Restoring trust in the agency is job one. The Council is confident that this group of dedicated individuals will immediately hit the ground running and work collaboratively with Acting Planning Director Tanya Stern and Park and Planning staff to restore the public’s confidence in the agency. They will perform the critical functions of the Planning Board and move planning projects and services forward for residents.

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MoCo Government

Montgomery County to Sponsor Free Electric Scooter Clinics for Those 18-and-Older in October and November

By Patrick Herron

The clinics generally will last about two-to-four hours and e-scooters will be available at each site. Those interested in e-scooters can stop in at any time during the clinic.

Participants must have a valid driver’s license or ID. No registration is required to attend a clinic and walk-ups are welcome. Check tinyurl.com/5n8adjaj for cancelations due to inclement weather.

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