|
January 2022
As we begin a new year, it is my hope that you and your family are healthy and safe. With a record level of COVID-19 cases and a related surge in hospitalizations, the best way to keep our public safe is by getting vaccinated, getting boosted and wearing masks in public spaces.
I am looking forward to serving as the Council’s Vice President for the coming year and plan to focus on ensuring that Montgomery County continues leading in its response to the ongoing pandemic, including supporting access to tests and continuing to increase vaccination rates, including boosters.
The pandemic has taken a toll on all of us and has exposed the disparities in our society. There are many lessons to learn from this moment, but one that I am extremely focused on is rebuilding in a more equitable manner.
My office continues to help residents access their unemployment benefits, connect families with food resources, and repair infrastructure around communities. If you need any assistance or help connecting with government services, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
 Handing out test kits at Wheaton Library
Montgomery County residents can pick up rapid at-home test kits at any one of 19 Montgomery County Public Libraries, which will be available for free on a first come, first served basis. Residents will receive a maximum of two test kits per person (each containing two tests) and are especially recommended for asymptomatic people.
I visited the Wheaton Library and Rec Center to distribute tests and greatly appreciate every county staff member who is helping facilitate the process. I also want to extend my thanks to residents for their courtesy and respect for staff and each other. A list of locations and hours can be found here.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, please contact your healthcare provider or make an appointment for a PCR test at one of the testing locations throughout the county. Free taxi rides for seniors and people with disabilities are available to county testing sites.
A fire broke out in the early morning hours of January 8 at Flower Branch Apartments in the Long Branch community, displacing multiple families who evacuated carrying few or no belongings. This is the same community that was hit hard by an explosion and fire in 2016.
Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP) and CASA are providing relief to help these families with transportation, clothing and supplies. My team rushed to the Long Branch Library to assist families and help provide Spanish translation.
Thank you to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services for putting out the blaze and safely evacuating all residents.
 Photo Credit: MCFRS
Honor the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by serving our community for the MLK Week of Service, beginning January 15.
Montgomery Parks is hosting a series of in-person volunteer opportunities for residents of all ages. Activities will take place throughout the weekend, including cleanups and removal of non-native invasive plants at various parks and trails across the county. Visit Montgomery Parks’ Volunteer Services website for more information.
If you prefer to volunteer virtually, the Montgomery County Volunteer Center's annual MLK Day of Service event is offering a variety of home-based and safely distanced service opportunities next week. Projects range from letter writing to bracelet making for members of the military and first responders.
Do you know a woman who has made significant contributions in our community?
You are invited to nominate community members for the 2022 Women Making History Award. The deadline for nominations is midnight Thursday, January 20. This award, sponsored by Montgomery Women and the Montgomery County Commission for Women, is to recognize women who are making significant contributions in their fields and in our community.
Submissions and more information can be found here.
Our January snowstorm not only tied up traffic, but also caused downed power lines in the region. A Derwood constituent alerted me to a problematic power line stretching across her street and obstructing traffic. My team contacted Pepco, and within two hours, they had a crew on the scene to resolve the issue.
As always, please feel free to reach out to me about any issue you may have. Email me at Councilmember.Glass@montgomerycountymd.gov or you can call my office at (240) 777-7966.
Silver Spring made the top 10 list of most generous places in 2021, according to the crowdfunding platform GoFundMe. This is an acknowledgement of our community’s kindness and should make all of us proud, regardless of the zip code we live in.
|
