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July 2022
The latest omicron variant, BA.5, is quickly becoming the dominant strain and is driving a wave of cases across the country.
I am proud that our residents are doing their part to slow the spread of this contagious virus by getting vaccinated and boosted, following the CDC’s approval of vaccines for children 6 months to 5 years of age. Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has begun vaccinating children in this age group. Vaccinations are available by appointment at three County-operated clinics as well as through pediatricians and participating local pharmacies. The county will continue to ensure vaccines are distributed equitably by hosting clinics in areas where vaccination rates are lower. For the latest Covid-19 updates, visit the County’s Covid-19 website.
When residents of East County informed me about difficulties accessing the Adventist Medical Center in White Oak by bus, I contacted the Montgomery County Department of Transportation asking for improved service. Starting July 17, residents can take Ride On Route 27 to reach the hospital. The new route will operate between Hillandale Transit Center and the Tech Road Park and Ride lot with stops along Powder Mill Road, Cherry Hill Road, Plum Orchard Drive, Broadbirch Drive, and Tech Road, and will have connections with Metrobus, Ride On, and Flash bus routes, as well as other transportation services within the network.
A few weeks ago, I joined the Collaboration Council at the official opening of the MoCo Reconnect Drop-in Center in Wheaton, which will support youth ages 16-24.
This facility will provide a space for young people experiencing housing insecurity or who may just need a place to feel safe. With 40% of youth experiencing homelessness identifying as LGBTQ+, this center will also provide mental health and other support services for LGBTQ+ youth.
This is what Montgomery County is all about. It's about maintaining a strong social safety net where case management, education, housing assistance and employment training can be found under one roof.
Two years ago I passed a zoning law that expanded the amount of food scraps that farms could use to create compost and mulch – a big step toward reducing the 147,000 tons of food waste produced annually in Montgomery County. In June, I visited Butler’s Orchard in Germantown and learned about their new composting facility and partnership with Rockville-based Compost Crew, made possible because of the law we approved.
This is exactly the type of partnership I envisioned when I passed legislation allowing farms to increase compost and mulch capacity and I’m delighted that our efforts have taken root and are ready to flourish. It’s an important step toward fully harnessing the power of our land so that we can reduce our waste and achieve our climate goals.
I recently recognized Rosemary Wilson, co-founder of Flower Coffee Collective for providing delicious local coffee and pastries in a setting that promotes inclusion and connection. Not only did Rosemary help transform a 1960’s era camper into what Bethesda Magazine called “the prettiest food truck in Montgomery County,” she also transformed a community by bringing neighbors together through agua fresca, pan dulce, bilingual yoga and diverse food trucks. Rosemary has decided to move on to new endeavors, but her tireless efforts as the President of the Sligo-Branview Association, as a full-time mom and as a small business owner have left a lasting impression on the hearts of this neighborhood.
Do you know someone who has made a positive difference in their community? Email my office at Councilmember.Glass@montgomerycountymd.gov to nominate them for a Community Empowerment Award.
At the Taste of Wheaton festival, a member of my staff spoke with a family that had been without electricity for nearly two weeks after a tree limb fell and severed their power line.
After several phone calls and a visit to the residents' home, we were able to get their electricity restored. Their next-door neighbor wrote to our office, “We are very grateful for your office's help and we thank you all for fulfilling your responsibilities so exceptionally well.”
The summer season produces the highest rainfall in the Washington region and whenever heavy rain and flash flooding are predicted, county rescue crews have to be prepared for the inevitable.
We now have new tools in our toolbox that can provide us with an early warning in order to respond to emergencies — and more importantly — alert Montgomery County residents in flood-prone areas. The county recently showcased its expanded early warning Flood Sensor Program that will provide quicker alerts for residents about flooded roadways, potential dam failures and overflowing streams. The sensors will also enable public safety officials to take quicker action to protect lives and property. The U.S Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate is providing 35 sensors countywide.
 Photo Credit: WUSA9
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