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Thursday, January 9, 2025

Ride On Reimagined 

Many of our friends, neighbors, and people working at local businesses who we rely on themselves rely on transit. In too many communities, it's simply more difficult than it should be to get a bus at the needed time, safely access a bus stop, or get to or from work. This is an important issue that we consistently hear about from constituents.

After much research, analysis, and public input, the County's Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has released Ride On Reimagined, a comprehensive bus network redesign that aims to expand access to public transportation across Montgomery County and provide faster, more reliable bus service. Please take a look and let us know your thoughts.

MCDOT worked in close consultation with WMATA to create these recommendations, which include a one-year and five-year plan, as well as a long-term vision plan. The long-term vision calls for an expansion of the County’s express and on-demand bus services, including eight new Flash bus rapid transit (BRT) lines, four Ride On extRa lines and 19 new Ride On Flex zones. As envisioned, the Flex zones would serve areas that currently don't have widespread service in order to improve quality and connectivity in lower-density neighborhoods including in Olney and Damascus. 

To help residents visualize these changes, interactive maps allow users to explore the proposed network at various stages of implementation. These maps provide a detailed look at how the planned enhancements will be rolled out over time, contingent on funding. 

I'm committed to working with community members to realize this needed expansion of Ride On service, to expand existing routes to additional hours outside of peak rush hour periods, and to build sidewalk access around and better maintain bus stops that are already too difficult to safely get to. Thank you, MCDOT, for your commitment to accessible, equitable transit. Now, it's time to get to work!

Public Input Needed on the Airpark 

The January Airpark Community Advisory Committee meeting will be dedicated to gathering input from members of the community around the Montgomery County Airpark in Gaithersburg and all stakeholders. Residents, Airpark business owners, and pilots have the opportunity to speak for up to two minutes during the meeting either in-person or virtually. The submission of written statements is also encouraged. The meeting will take place January 29 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Upper County Community Recreation Center at 8201 Emory Grove Road. Learn more and sign up. 

Celebrate MLK

Graphic promoting the County's January 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. Click image for free tickets.

Join the County's Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration on Sunday, January 19 at Strathmore. Tickets are free and you can register here.

Damascus Library Closed for Renovations Beginning January 31

A major investment in the future of Damascus, Montgomery County Public Libraries will begin extensive renovations on Damascus Library on January 31. The renovation will focus on improving accessibility, comfort, and functionality by significantly updating the library and the senior center that shares the building, as well as improvements to the shared common areas. Key improvements include:

• Upgrades to flooring, painting, and new furniture throughout the building.
• A new customer service desk for more efficient service.
• New collaboration and study spaces to better meet the community's needs.
• Replacement of select windows, roof repair, and significant HVAC system improvements.
• Installation of a new all-gender restroom and other updates to ensure the facility meets ADA accessibility standards.

The newly renovated space is set to reopen in the autumn of 2026. During the renovation, patrons are encouraged to visit nearby library branches. All digital services and resources will remain available on the MCPL website. 

In the Community... 

Meet the New Library Director 

Meet the new Director of Montgomery County Public Libraries, Darcell Graham, at the Wheaton Library on January 15 at 7 p.m. Hear her ideas on the future of Montgomery County Libraries and participate in the audience Q&A to get your questions about our libraries answered. 

Olney Civic Fund Accepting Grant Applications 

The Olney Civic Fund is accepting grant applications from area nonprofits through January 17. Learn more and apply. 

Honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy by Volunteering in the Community 

The Montgomery County Volunteer Center invites residents of all ages to join this year’s MLK Day of Service events the weekend of January 18 and 19 and make a meaningful impact in the community. Register to join a service project at various community recreation centers across the County on Saturday, January 18. Projects will benefit homebound seniors, the unhoused, and other community members in need. Register to join the annual Day of Service and Volunteer Fair from 1-3 p.m. at the Bethesda North Marriott Conference Center.

Montgomery County Fire Rescue Service Hosts On-Site Hiring Info Sessions in January 

Join Montgomery County Fire Rescue Service for a hiring and information session at the Public Safety Training Academy located at 8751 Snouffer School Road in Gaithersburg. The application process for Recruit Class 58 will be opening soon, and this is an opportunity to learn more about becoming a firefighter/rescuer, get an overview of the hiring process, watch a physical ability test demonstration, meet with recruiters, and ask questions. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Sessions will be held: 

• 6:00-8:00 pm on January 8 
• 6:00-8:00 pm on January 22 
• 9:00 am-12:00 pm on January 11 
• 9:00 am-12:00 pm on January 25 

Montgomery County Offers Free Online Diabetes Management Program

In partnership with the Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence, the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is offering a six-week, free online Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP) starting January 15. The DSMP, created by Stanford University experts, is a nationally recognized prevention and management program that teaches participants how to manage their diabetes physically and emotionally. Registration is required. Learn more about other public health services provided by Montgomery County DHHS.  

Montgomery County Launches Hate/Bias Incident Complaint Portal

Montgomery County is dedicated to building a welcoming, safe, inclusive, and respectful community for all, which is why the County recently launched an online portal where residents can report hate crimes and incidents of hate/bias (actions motivated by hate that may not rise to the level of a crime). Your report helps Montgomery County track hate crimes and bias incidents across communities; identify trends to guide community responses; and develop better strategies to combat hate and bias. More information about the new portal: 

• Information may also be shared with law enforcement for investigation in some cases.
• Montgomery County stands firm on privacy and inclusivity. We do not ask about anyone's immigration status. The county does not engage in immigration enforcement or investigations. 
• You may report anonymously without providing your contact information though the County will not be able to follow up with you about the incident.
• The form is available in many languages via the pull-down tab at the top of the page.
• If you do not want to use the form, you can call 3-1-1.
• Use this Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) form for school-related incidents.

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