News You Can Use

Friday, November 8, 2024

Happy Veterans Day

Happy Veterans Day from the Montgomery County Commission for Women. During this time, we remember and honor all who have served or are actively serving. Thank you, veterans!

County Holiday Schedule

The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have holiday schedule and program changes for the observance of Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11. Learn more.

Women Making History Awards

The Montgomery County Commission for Women, in partnership with Montgomery Women, is excited to announce that nominations are now open for the annual “Women Making History” Awards. This prestigious program honors exceptional women in Montgomery County and highlights their significant contributions, fostering a sense of community and shared achievement.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, award recipients will be highlighted on the Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery Women’s social media channels throughout March, showcasing their remarkable achievements and inspiring stories.

Eligible nominees must demonstrate:

Nominees should either live or work in Montgomery County.

For more information on eligibility, criteria, and the nomination process, please visit here. Submissions will be accepted until November 30, 2024.

CFW Programming

A Virtual Career Exploration for Her

On Thursday, November 21, from 6:00-7:30 pm, the Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery Women will host a free virtual career guidance session titled “A Virtual Career Exploration for Her" for middle school, high school, and college students. This event will offer an opportunity for female middle school, high school, and college students to begin exploring careers of their interest that are non-traditional for women. The panel will include women in careers ranging from fire services, STEM careers, the law, and entrepreneurship. MCPS students who complete and return a small survey at the end of the event can receive Student Service Learning Hours (SSL Hours)—a maximum of two—for their participation. MCPS students will need to register with a non-MCPS email address. Register here.

Separation and Divorce: What Do I Need to Know? (Virtual Series)

Please join us online as local family law attorneys walk through the "ins" and "outs" of going through a separation and divorce in Maryland. You will learn about: methods of dispute resolution, when and where to file, types of divorce and grounds, financial statements, alimony, property and equitable distribution, role of the attorney, and domestic violence/orders of protection. All classes are FREE and are from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Our next class is Wednesday, December 4. Register here.

2024 Election Results

Unofficial Election Results Are In!

The latest unofficial results from 2024 Presidential General Election results for Montgomery County are now available. While final counts are pending, these early numbers give us a first look at potential outcomes. A huge thank you to all our election workers for their dedication and hard work in ensuring a smooth voting process. View results here.

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Resources

On The Spot Admissions

Students can learn all about the application process for local colleges and universities during the On-the-Spot Admissions event at Seneca Valley High School (19401 Crystal Rock Dr, Germantown, MD 20874) on Wednesday, November 13, from 6:00-8:00 pm.

Rales-O’Neill Scholarship Application Now Open

High school seniors can now apply for the Rales-O’Neill Scholarship, offered by the Montgomery County Public Schools Educational Foundation (MCPSEF), which provides $10,000 for future studies. Two hundred students will be selected.

Applicants must:

• Have a weighted GPA of 4.80 or higher.

• Plan to attend a college/university within two years.

The application period is open from Nov. 1, 2024, to Jan. 25, 2025. For more information on eligibility and rules, visit the website.

Montgomery County Resources

Have you signed up for Montgomery County alerts yet? Alerts provide information about weather, traffic, schools and other important information. Notifications are sent to emails and phone numbers that are registered with the system.

Office of Human Rights Accepting Nominations for 2024 Class of Human Rights Hall of Fame

The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights (OHR) is now accepting nominations for its esteemed Human Rights Hall of Fame, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing human and civil rights in Montgomery County. The nomination period will close on Monday, Nov. 25. Learn more.

Domestic Violence Walk-In Legal Clinic

Attorneys from the DC Volunteer Lawyers Project assist low-income survivors of domestic violence who are residents of Montgomery County in attaining protection orders, divorce, custody, and child support at their Domestic Violence Walk-In Legal Clinic. The attorneys offer brief advice consults as well as take on some cases for full or limited representation, depending on their capacity. Telephonic interpreters available. The clinic is available every Wednesday from 12:00-4:00 pm, at the Rockville Memorial Library. Email MarylandIntake@dcvlp.org or call 202-464-1700 for more information.

The Working Parents Assistance Program

Montgomery County’s Working Parents Assistance (WPA) Program is a County-sponsored program that is committed to helping eligible county residents pay for child care. While parents are at work or school, they can feel confident that their children are in a safe and caring environment. Learn more.

Montgomery County Food Assistance Resources

This website provides a listing of all county food resources. It is regularly updated so be sure to check back often.

Financial Assistance is Available for Homeowners

The Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund Program can provide grants or loans for delinquent mortgage payments, past due association fees and past due real estate taxes - as well as for home repairs and energy efficiency improvements. Eligibility is based on income and COVID impact; owner occupancy is required. Applications are open now at the Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund program.

Learn more here!

Renters Tax Credit

Renters may qualify for a tax credit (a check of up to $1,000).

Learn more about the Renters Tax Credit.

Montgomery County Housing Resources

Find all things related to housing services in Montgomery County here.

Volunteer and Employment Opportunities

Work for Montgomery County! Montgomery County Government is currently hiring!    For more information and a list of current job openings, visit Montgomery County Government Careers.

Volunteering Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community. Check out the opportunities available here.

Volunteer with Montgomery County Community Action Agency’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program

The Montgomery County Community Action Agency’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is recruiting volunteers for the upcoming tax season, which runs from January through mid-April. Volunteers can become IRS-certified VITA tax preparers, schedulers, greeters, quality reviewers and site coordinators. The VITA program connects residents to critical tax credits that help support lower-income households. Last year, volunteers dedicated 3,008 hours to assist the program in serving 2,246 households, resulting in a tax impact of nearly $8.6 million. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to complete an online registration form.

Community Events

16th Annual Silver Spring Tribute to America's Veterans Concert

The 16th Annual Tribute to America’s Veterans concert presented by Silver Spring Town Center, Inc., will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, at Cissel-Saxon American Legion Post 41 in Silver Spring. The concert, which will feature The Patty Reese Band, is free to attend and is open to all. Learn more.

Discovery Days: Native American Heritage

This Saturday, November 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., The Gaithersburg Community Museum's Discovery Days will host indigenous artist, Tia Kescoli, from the Navajo Nation in honor of Native American Heritage Month. They specialize in contemporary indigenous beadwork and are currently learning traditional Navajo weaving. They come from a line of traditional weavers. It is their pleasure to share a bit of their culture with the community. This event is open to all ages—come and learn more about the rich traditions of Navajo art and culture! Learn more.

Annual County Thanksgiving Parade

Montgomery County’s annual Thanksgiving Parade, the largest in the Washington, D.C. region, is set to fill downtown Silver Spring with holiday cheer starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16. This year’s festivities will include marching bands, community floats, County Executive Marc Elrich, members of the County Council and local Olympians Thea LaFond of Dominica and Aaron Ghebre Owusu of Eritrea. The parade will take place rain or shine. For more information, visit the official parade website or call 240-777-0311.

Health & Wellness

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Learn how you can protect your lungs here.

Join Us!