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Thursday, December 12, 2024

School Safety

Thank you to those who joined us earlier this week at Sequoyah Elementary for a discussion on school safety. We often hear of concerns about this critical topic and will continue to work with our school system and many partners on finding solutions.

If you would like to learn more and access a copy of the meeting presentation, please email councilmember.luedtke@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Special thanks to following individuals for their participation in the event, which shows the all-around approach MCPS and County Government are taking when it comes to keeping our students, educators, and parents safe:  

• Marcus Jones, MCPS Chief of Security and Compliance 
• Jordan Satinsky, Captain of MCPD’s Community Engagement Division 
• Chris Ascienzo, Principal of Magruder High School 
• Megan Murphy, Principal of Sequoyah Elementary School 
• Talia Beaulieu-Hains, Community Projects Manager for Montgomery County Government 
• Tania Alfaro, Tori Cross, and Donald Davis, team members of the Street Outreach Network

Pet Adoption 

My colleagues on the Public Safety Committee and I introduced Bill 27-24, Animal Control – Impoundment and Disposition. This legislation takes up some of the recommendations we've received to improve the County's Animal Services and Adoption Center in Derwood.

The legislation would improve the pet adoption process by reducing animal hold times, clarifying the appeal rights for abandoned animals, and amending public notice requirements. It's important for the health and well-being of these animals that we get pets into loving homes quickly!  

The Animal Services and Adoption Center will waive adoption fees for all pets adopted December 14 and 15 through its annual Home for the Holidays event. Learn more here.

Celebrating 60 Years of the Olney Chamber of Commerce

Congratulations to the Olney Chamber of Commerce on 60 years of service to the community! I was pleased to present the organization with a proclamation recognizing its significant contributions. 

Through its Chamber Connect program, the Chamber supports professional development and the growth of minority-owned businesses, women in business, nonprofits, and young professionals. The Chamber has been the driving force in establishing the Officer Noah A. Leotta Olney Satellite Police Station and sponsors the “Act Responsibly” Scholarship in Officer Leotta’s name for high school students interested in pursuing careers in community service.

It also hosts one of the largest annual National Night Out celebrations in the country and consistently partners with other Olney civic organizations, a testament to the strength and spirit of the Olney community. 

Here’s to many more years!

Councilmember Luedtke presents the Olney Chamber of Commerce with a proclamation for its 60th anniversary.

In the Community...

Gift Outside the Box Campaign

Every year, the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) runs the Gift Outside the Box campaign from November 15 (America Recycles Day) to January 6 in order to challenge County residents to think differently about how they shop and give gifts. DEP is encouraging County residents and partners to buy local, gift experiences, gift greener, gift secondhand, give back, and reduce, reuse, and recycle. 

Impaired Driving Enforcement Continuing Through Holiday Period

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation and the Montgomery County Police Department have teamed up again for their annual Holiday Task Force to detect impaired drivers. Last year the Task Force arrested 143 drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Maryland drivers found guilty of driving under the influence can face loss of license, hefty fines and jail time.

If you plan to use alcohol or cannabis, make a plan ahead of time to ensure that everyone can enjoy the holidays and get home safely. Drivers can find a listing of local safe rides on the County’s Vision Zero website. The Task Force will end in the new year, but impaired enforcement is a year-round activity. 

Staying Safe During the Winter Holidays

Did you know that the winter holiday season accounts for the highest number of cooking fires? Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services’ recent blog post highlights ways you can stay safe, including: 

• Be alert! Stay in the kitchen when using the stovetop and use a timer. If you must leave the kitchen, even for a minute, turn off the stove.
• Keep anything that can catch fire at least 3 feet from the stove, toaster oven, or other heat source. This includes pot holders, food packaging, dish towels, paper/plastic bags, etc.
• Do not pour water on a grease fire. Pouring water on a grease fire can cause the fire to spread. In the event of a range-top fire, turn off the burner, put on an oven mitt, and smother the flames by carefully sliding a lid or cookie sheet onto the pan. Leave the lid in place until the pot or pan has cooled.
• Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup which can ignite.
• Always wear short, tight-fitting sleeves when cooking to prevent clothing from coming in contact with a burner and catching fire.
• Do not hold children while cooking or carrying hot foods or drinks. Keep children at a safe distance from hot surfaces, liquids, and other kitchen hazards.
• Plug microwaves and other kitchen appliances directly into an outlet. Never use an extension cord for a cooking appliance as it can overload the circuit and cause a fire.
• Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the house. Make sure all other appliances are turned off and that any candles or smoking materials are safely extinguished.
• Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home, test alarms monthly, and change batteries annually or as recommended by the manufacturer if your alarm features long-life batteries.

Read the full blog post, which also includes tips about extension cords, holiday lights, Christmas trees, fireplaces, candles, space heaters, and more. 

Montgomery County Recreation Accepting Applications for 2025 Rec Assist 

Montgomery County Recreation is now accepting applications for 2025 Rec Assist, the department’s financial assistance program. Rec Assist provides County residents who receive eligible public assistance an opportunity to receive a scholarship to use toward most Recreation classes, activities, and memberships that have a cost associated with them. Funds are available on a first come, first served basis. 

Healing Together: Free Wellness Yoga for Victims of Crime

Join a relaxing yoga session to promote healing and foster positive connections between the community and police. The event will take place December 14 at 11 a.m. at 100 Edison Park Drive. Registration is required. Questions? Contact Mariela Leon at pol.hispanicliaison@montgomerycountymd.gov. 

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