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The number of new COVID-19 cases and hospital beds in use are rising at alarming levels over the past few weeks, and some indicators have surpassed the numbers we saw in April and May. To try to stop this increase in community spread and give our healthcare workers the support they need to help those suffering severe symptoms, the County Executive and County Public Health Officer put into place a revised public health order on November 10th. This order requires face coverings inside at most times and outside when it's reasonable to expect you'll be within six feet of someone else, restricts outdoor gatherings to 25 or fewer people, and restricts indoor gatherings to 10 or fewer people.
While we understand the significant impact this will continue to have on our families and businesses, we must lower community transmission rates for the well-being of our friends, families, and neighbors. And we are not alone. The State government, neighboring Prince George’s County, and other local jurisdictions in the region have also tightened requirements to deal with this reality.
We continue to urge all to follow the mask mandate as masks are critical in our strategy to fight this virus. A detailed summary of the executive order can be found here. Also, if you have questions on the face covering guidance, the County issued a helpful clarification with more details. The County's online portal is also open for you or your organization or business to submit any inquiries about how the health order may apply specifically to you, and you can always contact my office.
We are hopeful that promising vaccines will prove successful and the first batch may be delivered in mid-December for frontline healthcare workers and some of the most vulnerable in our community. We must continue to socially distance and follow public health guidance to hold the line, and stem the tide for our families and for each other.
As is custom, the Council this week selected a new Council President and Vice President for the next year. I'm excited to work with new President Tom Hucker and Vice President Gabe Albornoz and extremely grateful to outgoing President Sidney Katz for leading us through a year like no other.
From early on in the pandemic, the Council under Sidney's leadership was flexible and able to get big initiatives (such as the Public Health Emergency Grant program, food assistance, and rental assistance programs) scheduled and approved in record time so we could provide some assistance to those in dire need.
Councilmember Katz also steered us to virtual sessions and, importantly, virtual public hearings. These opportunities for phone or even video testimony have given so many more community members a chance to weigh in where before it would've been difficult to get to the Council chambers in Rockville in the middle of the day. This is an innovation forced by COVID that should remain.
This week, we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve and paid tribute to Dr. Royce Hanson, former Planning Board Chair and the architect of the innovative, visionary land-use policy that created the Agricultural Reserve. Those 93,000 acres preserved for farming and protected from sprawl development have been widely considered “the country’s most successful farmland preservation program.” This would not have happened without the bold vision of Royce Hanson and the dedication and hard work of County planners, the agricultural community, and committed advocates.
Today, the Agricultural Reserve is home to 558 farms, employs more than 10,000 people, and contributes locally sourced food and crops and approximately $281 million to the County economy. It is home to wineries and vineyards, miles of hiking and biking trails, and a whole host of other agriculturally related activities. We are so blessed to have this incredible resource right in our back yard. And what better time to get out into the fresh air and out in the countryside now that so many of our day-to-day activities are limited due to the pandemic.
You can find more information about our Agricultural Reserve on the Office of Agriculture’s website and also at Visit Montgomery. Buying local is more important than ever, so please support our local farms during these difficult times.
The Agricultural Reserve, which encompasses about a third of the County, continues to provide opportunities for new generations of farmers and serves as a protective environmental buffer for forests and streams. I am so proud to be able to honor Dr. Hanson and everyone in the Agricultural Reserve community for protecting this beautiful part of Montgomery County and proving that we can have successful urban, suburban, and rural places in our great County.
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Last month, I was able to honor Bonnie Fogel for her more than 40 years of work to share the arts with our youngest residents. Though she is setting aside her Executive Director’s hat at Imagination Stage, I know she will still help guide the organization she founded and continue to provide her expertise on the value of arts and arts education.
Originally established as BAPA (Bethesda Academy of Performing Arts), Imagination Stage was created in 1979 in response to the urgent need for arts education. It is now a nationally recognized and regionally beloved place where young people discover their voice and identity.
Bonnie has earned many awards over the years, including Washingtonian of the Year. We are grateful she is here in our community actualizing her vision and inspiring hope, courage, and creativity in young people of all abilities and walks of life. We know the ripples of her lasting impact will continue to uplift our youth for generations to come.
A Conversation on the Past, Present, and Future Role of Monuments & Art in Public Spaces
Friday December 4, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
REGISTER HERE
Communities across the country are grappling with determining how to reconcile their present values with the historic monuments, statues, and art that symbolize racism and oppression. Paul Farber, Director of Monument Lab, a public art and history studio that cultivates and facilitates critical conversations around the past, present, and future of monuments, will share insight into the current movement to reexamine and reflect on our nation’s monuments. Farber will offer strategies and steps for organizations to consider to influence the next generation of public monuments that reflect stories of social justice and equity.
MCPS
- MCPS is providing meals at these sites for students. Meals will be provided at MCPS sites from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at school sites and from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM at bus distribution sites. Meals will be provided four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Libraries
- Library branch book drops are open and contactless holds pick up service has resumed.
How You Can Help
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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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Give Locally: The Greater Washington Community Foundation has 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. In particular, the County is looking for private matching funds for food security under the Food Security Fund.
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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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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.
If You Need Support
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Domestic Violence: There is support available during this time and all services are free of charge. If you know someone that may need help, the County has a guide on how best to assist them.
- Contact the Family Justice Center by calling 240-773-0444 or emailing safe@montgomerycountymd.gov
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline (24 hours) can be reached at 800-799-7233
- There are many organizations available to assist including:
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Internet: Low income families and older adults can get Home Internet Access for as little as $9.95 per month. Click here for additional information.
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Food Assistance: Call 311 and you will be connected to our new food call center or you can look at 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.
- Poolesville Grocery Distribution Service: Orders can be placed online by visiting www.mysaval.store/ Order on Tuesdays before 4:00PM and pickup Thursdays between 2:00-3:30PM at the United Methodist Church in Poolesville. Drivers are asked to remain in their cars as orders will be loaded into the backs of vehicles. If you have any questions please call John at 443-896-7244.
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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.
- For Individuals with Disabilities: The State and other partners are collaborating to supplement existing programs for people with disabilities who may be experiencing food insecurity during this pandemic. To connect with these feeding opportunities, constituents should call 2-1-1. The 2-1-1 call specialist will connect the caller to a variety of statewide program options.
- My Groceries To Go! for Seniors: Montgomery County applicants are required to provide supporting documentation to prove income eligibility. Participants 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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Health Care: If you do not have insurance and want to get health insurance through the state marketplace, Maryland has a Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment period if you have recently lost your job. You can compare prices and possibly receive financial help in order to afford coverage. Apply by December 15th.
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Unemployment Claims: You can start your claim online or by phone.
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Housing Issues: If you are behind on your rent, please click here. You can also apply for county rent relief if you are below certain income limits. If you are facing eviction, please contact our office at 240-777-7828 or dial 311.
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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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