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During this global pandemic, County Councilmembers have taken the time customarily used to present proclamations to instead acknowledge and celebrate the many community heroes of this COVID-19 crisis. At our April 30th Council meeting, I was grateful for the privilege to recognize LeighAnn Sidone, Suburban Hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer, for her selfless work on the frontlines in this public health emergency. LeighAnn continues to be a stalwart leader and supporter of her healthcare staff throughout this crisis, overseeing the near-instant creation of five nursing units dedicated to COVID-19 patients, and in the middle of it all, she finished her doctorate requirements.
LeighAnn truly is a hero of heroes, our nurses. We owe them a debt of gratitude for risking their lives in order to save ours. Governor Hogan announced Saturday as Healthcare Heroes day and in honor of all those on the frontlines, several iconic Maryland landmarks were lit blue including Kensington town hall. See the transformation of the building here.
Please join me in thanking all of our healthcare heroes including LeighAnn Sidone for all they are doing to guide us through this difficult time.
The depth of this current crisis continues to require a comprehensive response to help residents who face financial uncertainty and food insecurity and local employers who are fighting to keep the lights on. Last week, the Council continued its unprecedented relief efforts with three additional special appropriations:
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$5 million in direct financial assistance to residents in low-income households identified through existing Department of Health and Human Services programs who are currently experiencing extreme financial hardship.
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$750,000 to get food to families who are not able to afford enough food – through local nonprofit providers and with a focus on culturally appropriate food to ensure food insecure individuals are getting culturally appropriate items. Food providers can apply for funding right now. The deadline for this initial round of funding is noon on May 8th.
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$250,000 for a Telework Assistance Program to be administered by the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC). Grants up to $2,500 will be provided to businesses and nonprofits that have transitioned or are transitioning to telework operations and need help with the cost of new technology and equipment. Applications for this new program opens today at 10:00 AM. You can find more information about this program on the MCEDC website. To be fair and equitable, the telework grants will be awarded to eligible applicants using a lottery system each week rather than on a first-come first-served basis.
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The business of the County Council continues. But it's not business as usual.
By County law, the Council must pass a budget for next fiscal year by June 1st. While public health directives prevent us from meeting in person, we've added virtual public hearings and have begun a condensed budget review process focused on a "continuity of services" budget to reflect the significant revenue shortfalls that we expect to face amid this global pandemic and its economic impact. That means continued difficult decisions about priorities we all share and want to advance, but recognize we may not be able to afford at this time.
Fortunately, we were able to come to an unanimous Council agreement on putting the much-needed and long-promised Capital Crescent Trail Tunnel project back into the County's six-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP). I am pleased the full Council fulfilled the County’s commitment to building this critical transportation infrastructure by funding it in Fiscal Years 2024-2026 using a portion of the CIP's "set aside" or reserve. While we won't be able to start the project in the upcoming year so it is ready as promised, this solution programs the project into the budget without delaying or abandoning any other previously committed capital projects.
We are grateful to our amazing teachers, each and everyday. Here's a video tribute to the wonderful teachers who shaped and molded us into who we are today.
Our County is lucky to have so many talented and committed public servants. Many are not recognized for their incredible work, but I am glad to be able to share that our Parks and Planning staff just received two major awards.
First, Montgomery Parks was recognized for Excellence in Best Practices, for their Energized Public Spaces Functional Master Plan and Analysis Tool. This tool uses highly sophisticated mapping and data analysis to provide insight on where we have shortages of parks and public spaces in heavily populated areas. It also helps identify what types of experiences are in short supply - measuring opportunities for active recreation, social connection, and contemplation. This interactive inventory of accessible public spaces and mapping of the areas with the highest needs will result in better prioritization of scarce park resources.
The second award, Merit in the Small Area Plan/Special Planning Area category, was given by the National Association of County Planners, an affiliate of the American Planning Association (APA) to the Planning Department for the Veirs Mill Corridor Master Plan. The Plan was the County’s first to be guided on Vision Zero road safety standards and my first as a Councilmember. Rather than consider the road exclusively as a major highway for motor vehicle travel, it seeks to establish Veirs Mill Road as a multimodal complete street including people who walk, bicycle, use transit and drive motor vehicles. The plan further reimagines Veirs Mill Road as an integral component of the adjacent communities that safely connects residents to transit, neighborhood uses and community facilities, and supports the compact, walkable, transit-oriented character desired in the suburban communities of the future.
We want to share our gratitude to all parks and planning staff who shape and continue to work to enhance our quality of life.
Nationally, communities are organizing to support restaurants through Take Out Tuesdays. We all know our restaurants are struggling during this crisis and while we created a County grant program to help provide some relief, the best way we can all keep our favorite restaurants now is by ordering takeout. We were in Poolesville for last week’s #TakeOutTuesday and will be in Kensington this week. Hope you’ll join us in supporting local restaurants.
Restaurants that have committed to participate in Eat Up: Upcounty Take Out Tuesdays can be found at:
The presidential primary election originally scheduled for April 28, 2020, was moved to June 2, 2020. This election will be conducted primarily by mail. All registered and eligible voters will be mailed a ballot for this election. You should receive your ballot in early to mid May. There will be in person voting for voters who cannot vote by mail. For more information about this election and where voters who cannot vote by mail can vote, please click here.
New Montgomery Cable Channel with COVID-19 Updates
- Montgomery County's public, education and government channels have launched a new Corona Montgomery channel, creating creates a direct communications channel to all residents, including those who don't have access to hi-speed internet and technology. It will air critical COVID-19 related information. The programming is available on channel 10 on Comcast, Verizon and RCN.
Reminder on the Stay at Home Directive
- The Governor issued a stay at home directive for all Maryland residents at the end of March. This means staying at home, unless you have an essential errand such as picking up groceries or medications, going to the doctor, or taking care of a family member or friend. Residents can still go outside for walks and exercise.
- Residents should not travel outside of Maryland. However, if you do, you should self-quarantine for 14 days upon your return.
Special Grocery Store Hours
- The County has compiled a list of stores with dedicated shopping hours for seniors and those at-risk.
MCPS
- MCPS will continue to provide meals at these sites for students during this time (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Monday through Friday)
Closures
How You Can Help
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Support Neighborhood Restaurants: Please support local employers by getting take out or delivery. Search the Visit Montgomery list here.
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Volunteer Opportunities: The County has compiled a list on how you can to help. If you are a medical or public health professional willing to assist, the state has a site for specialized volunteers.
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Making or Donating Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Frontline staff need additional supplies and so you can make a mask for them or donate new items you may have in your possession.
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Donation site for new or handmade PPE.
- For companies interested in selling PPE to the County, please use this email procure@montgomerycountymd.gov
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Donate Blood: American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this coronavirus outbreak. Sign up for an appointment now.
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Give Locally: The Greater Washington Community Foundation has started a COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to bolster nonprofits working to help low-income hourly workers, gig workers, small business owners, families in need of childcare services, homeless individuals and many more who will continue to be severely impacted during this public health emergency.
If You Need Support
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Restaurant Employee Relief Fund: The National Restaurant Association has launched a Relief Fund to give $500 checks to restaurant employees experiencing hardship in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
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Food Assistance: See the Montgomery County Food Council's Resource Directory, which includes information on the location, hours, and eligibility guidelines of more than 100 sites where residents can access food and benefits application assistance.
- My Groceries To Go! for Seniors: Montgomery County applicants are required to provide supporting documentation to prove income eligibility. Particpants receive get eight pounds of free, fresh produce every month. Please call the Grocery Plus main line at 202-921-7471 or email mg2g@capitalareafoodbank.org for more information. The Capital Area Food Bank's website on this program is here.
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Senior Nutrition Program: Frozen meal packs are available to seniors through the County’s Senior Nutrition Program. Partners and volunteers are operating “grab and go” locations and are making a limited number of home deliveries to the County’s senior population. To be eligible, most people must be 60 years of age or older. Spouses of participants or a person with a disability living with a participant, are also eligible. To register for the meal program contact the Senior Center closest to you. D1 Locations:
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Taxi Delivery: The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) announced that it has partnered with local taxi companies during the COVID-19 health crisis to initiate a new program available to participants in the Call-n-Ride program to use taxis for delivery of essential goods from grocery stores, food banks and restaurants. This program is for low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities.
- Poolesville Grocery Distribution Service: Orders can be placed online by visiting https://www.mysaval.store/ The most recent pick up location was Poolesville Memorial United Methodist Church. Drivers are asked to remain in their cars as orders will be loaded into the backs of vehicles.
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Healthcare: If you do not have insurance and want to get health insurance through the state marketplace now, Maryland has a Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment period so that residents can enroll by June 15th (new date). You can compare prices and possibly receive financial help in order to afford coverage.
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Pepco: Pepco is extending its customer support policies, through at least June 1st, which include suspending service disconnections, waiving new late fees, and reconnecting customers who were previously disconnected.
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Unemployment Claims: You can start your claim online or by phone.
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Housing Issues: Evictions related to this public health emergency are prohibited at this time, if you face housing or eviction issues, please contact our office at 240-777-7828 or dial 311.
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Federal Relief: This guide on federal programs outlines the benefits recently passed by Congress.
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Seniors: You can sign up now for a new free program called Senior Call Check by calling toll-free to 866-502-0560 or by registering online. Under the program, participants receive an automated call every day. If the participant does not answer, they will be called two additional times in the same day. If those calls go unanswered, an alternate person, selected by the participant, will be notified in order for them to check in on the participant.
*Additional resources listed at InfoMontgomery
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