MAKING NEWS

Montgomery Named Among 2013 Best Intergenerational Communities

Intergenerational Communities are places that folks of all ages proudly call home, because they recognize the benefits of intergenerational programs, practices, policies and services. And, Montgomery County has been selected as one of the 2013 MetLife Foundation/Generations United Best Intergenerational Communities Award recipients, according to a report in the February 6 Generations This Week.

Other communities receiving the 2013 award were: Dunedin, FL, Itta Bena, MS and Westchester County, NY. More details about each award-winning community and the award presentations are forthcoming from Generations United.

The organization�s website says Generations United is �the national membership organization focused solely on improving the lives of children, youth, and older people through intergenerational strategies, programs, and public policies.�

Read more about intergenerational communities and previous winners.

Consumer Protection Director Discusses Credit Score Errors on Fox 5 News 

Errors in credit scores have been making the news lately and Fox 5 News interviewed Office of Consumer Protection Director Eric Friedman about how to check your score, what kind of errors to look for and the role of credit bureaus.

 Watch the five-minute interview.

County Executive Staffer Profiled in Bethesda Magazine

Lily Qi, Special Projects manager for County Executive Ike Leggett, and her husband, Phil Peng, are featured in the January/February issue of Bethesda Magazine as members of the �sacrifice generation.� 
According to author Steve Roberts, those are people �who leave home and settle in a new land�.� However, he adds that they �will never feel fully part of their adopted country. Only their children will.�

The article details the circumstances under which Qi and her husband left China and the struggles they overcame to forge a life for themselves and their children in the United States.

Read �Meet the Sacrifice Generation.�

MAKING NEWS

County�s Innovation-Related Economy Helps Maryland to a Top Five Ranking in Nation

�Locally led innovation is the key to meeting the challenge of restructuring the American economy,� according to the Next Economy Partnership Project, of NDN, a leading think tank and advocacy organization based in Washington, DC, and the New Policy Institute.

Highlighting the importance of the relationship between local innovation and economic recovery for the country, the 2012 State New Economy Index ranks the 50 states according to their adoption of an innovation fueled economy.

In the index released by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Maryland ranks fifth in the country. Massachusetts holds the top spot, followed by Delaware, Washington and California.
The report states, �Maryland occupies fifth place and Virginia sixth. Their high rankings are due primarily to high concentrations of knowledge workers, many employed with the federal government or related contractors in the suburbs of Washington, D.C.�

The report builds on prior State New Economy Indexes published in 1999, 2002, 2007, 2008 and 2010. Overall, the report uses 26 indicators, divided into five key areas that best capture what is new about the New Economy:  knowledge jobs, globalization, economic dynamism, the digital economy and innovation capacity.

See the 2012 State New Economy Index.

Montgomery County is Only U.S. Representative at International Conference in Taiwan; Environmental Protection Director Gives Recycling Presentation 

Photo caption: CountyDEP Director Bob Hoyt (far left) joins representatives from the other countries that participated in the 2012 International Conference on Resource Recycling in Taipei City, Taiwan.  While many local residents were making plans for Thanksgiving travels, dinner or entertaining, Department of Environmental Protection Director Bob Hoyt was half way around the world talking to an international audience about the County�s recycling program.

Other than host Taipei City, Montgomery County was the only local government invited to participate in the �International Conference on Resource Recycling 2012� and the sole representative from the United States. The focus of the four-day conference was zero waste generation. The County was invited to participate based on a recommendation from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and all expenses were paid by the Taiwan EPA.

Hoyt�s presentation described how the County�s recycling program operates, including our newly established recycling goal of 70%, one of the highest in the country. He provided information on our waste reduction efforts, including the bag law, how our collections are handled, and how outreach and education are major parts of our overall program.

The attendees visited recycling centers in Taipei and learned about the system that rewards residents for dropping off recyclables. (There are no curbside collections.)  When residents bring in their materials and based on the weight of their recyclables, customers receive �gift� credits. With the credits, residents can purchase basic food and household items.

Hoyt said that, for him, one of the most vivid impressions of the conference was that �once the other countries heard about our recycling program, it became clear that we could hold our own with any of them.�   Although he picked up on some ways we might be able to improve, the DEP director said, �As a whole system, there is no one better [than ours].�

Presentations were also given by representatives from Brazil, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Israel, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and Sweden.

Local Diver�s Story Featured on NBC-News 4

The Recreation Department recently worked with NBC 4 to share the story of Melissa Novak a 14-year old National Dive Team member who has overcome significant challenges to dive competitively at the national level and will likely be a top competitor in the 2016 Olympic trials.

The interview was taped in December at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver Aquatic Center in North Bethesda where Melissa trains.

Melissa lives in Frederick and is driven by her mother each weekday to the center in Bethesda.  This speaks volumes not only about the teen�s dedication to diving but to the quality of the programs, staff and facilities � such as the Shriver and Germantown centers  -- that are available through the County�s Recreation Department and are attracting out-of-county swimmers and divers.

See and hear Melissa�s story.

Various Media Find a Good Story in the Inmate/Library Book Repair Program

The story of the inmate library book repair program at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility (MCCF) in Clarksburg has spread even farther afield thanks to coverage from various media outlets over the past few months.

Back in October, Germantown Patch featured a piece by editor Tiffany Arnold entitled �Inmates in Boyds Fix Broken Books for �Good Time Credit.�

The University of Maryland�s Capital News Service also picked up on the story in October with reporter Lyndsey Wallen�s �Inmate Bindings � Inmates Work to Give Old Book New Life.�
The program at MCCF appeared on the Post Local �Rosenwald, Md.� blog in November.

That same month, Voice of America writer/producer Julia Taboh visited the MCCF for more than two hours getting footage and interviewing both the inmates repairing books and Warden Rob Green. Read the VOA piece that was published in December.

Good works getting good coverage.

Office of Consumer Protection Part of ABC News Report on Towing

The Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) was included in a recent ABC News feature on the towing industry entitled: �On the Hook: Confessions from the Tow Yard.�

OCP Director Eric Friedman is interviewed about the activity used by some towers of luring unsuspecting drivers to park in no-parking areas, then towing them. There is also a scene shot at a local site detailing that a car can be hooked up and towed within 20 seconds.

openMontgomery Web Portal featured in �Government Technology�

The County�s new openMontgomery site is featured in this month�s �Government Technology�s,� govtech.com online news service.

Chief Information Officer, Sonny Segal said the open government platform has been well received since it was launched in December 2012.

NOTEWORTHY NOTES

Marathon Tribute to Veterans on County�s Public Cable Stations

Montgomery County�s public cable television stations on Sunday, November 11 and Monday, November 12 will broadcast a 13-hour marathon tribute to veterans to help in the County�s recognition of Veterans Day. The tribute will include the first-ever broadcast of extended interviews with 14 local veterans from World War II.

County Cable Montgomery (Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) will begin broadcasting the tribute each day at 9:30 a.m. and continue to 10:30 p.m.

The marathon will open with the rebroadcast of the September 19 event in Silver Spring in which Montgomery County saluted area World War II veterans and will continue at 11:20 a.m. each day with the series of interviews with World War II veterans. The tribute will conclude with a contrast of generations as Montgomery College student Alex Cole interviews veteran Dee Paris, 97, whose World War II experiences include being a tank commander in the Battle of the Bulge.

The marathon is a cooperative production of the County�s PEG (Public-Education-Government) organization of public cable television stations.

See more details and check the viewing schedule for individual interviews.

Seminar on Legal Process of Separation and Divorce

Two seminars � one in English and one in Spanish - that focus on the legal process of separation and divorce in Montgomery County will be held on Thursday, November 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Ave.

Entitled �When a Marriage Ends:  Financial, Property and Practical Issues Both Wife and Husband Must Consider,� the programs will include topics such as: grounds for divorce; types of divorce; what to expect in court and alternatives to court; alimony; domestic violence; and child custody.

The seminar is presented by the Montgomery County Commission for Women in partnership with the Bar Association of Montgomery County, Family Law Section; the Montgomery County Women�s Bar Association; and the Montgomery County Divorce Roundtable.

The fee is $10 per seminar if pre-registering and $15 at the door. To pre-register, go to http://divorcelawseminar2.eventbrite.com/.

For more information, call 240-777-8300.


Intercounty Connector Bike and Pedestrian Path Information Available Online

Information about bicycle and pedestrian paths near the Intercounty Connector (ICC)/MD 200 is now available on the ICC's Project Website.  Maps indicating current trails and trails expected to be completed by Montgomery and Prince George�s counties at a later date are included.

The counties are still developing some segments of the bicycle/pedestrian plan.  Once completed, the ICC bicycle/pedestrian route will allow cyclists to travel from the Shady Grove Metrorail station to the Muirkirk Commuter Rail Station.

Home Savers:  A Specialized Foreclosure Prevention Program

Low- to moderate-income families in Montgomery County who are having trouble paying condo/HOA fees or seniors with reverse mortgages who are struggling to pay their property taxes should know about the Home Savers program.

Sponsored by Asian-American Homeownership Counseling, Inc., Home Savers rescues homes from foreclosure due to homeowners condo/HOA fees or property tax defaults.

See information flyer.

Residents with questions should speak with a counselor -- or sign up for an orientation session -- by calling 301-760-7636 or emailing counseling@aa-hc.org.


The Season of Giving: Volunteer Opportunities Abound

The holiday season is a time of giving and receiving.  But for many of our neighbors in Montgomery County, the need is great but the �receiving� may be sparse.  That�s why there�s no time like the present to give of your time and volunteer to help ensure that those less fortunate have a bright holiday season.

If you have a few spare moments and want to volunteer in the weeks ahead, check out the Volunteer Center website that will lead you to wide variety of opportunities for all ages and interests during the holidays�and beyond.

Volunteer. It�s time well spent.

Consumer Protection Wants You to Know about�Safely Shopping Online

With the coming of another holiday season, shopping online or by phone is a convenient way to buy gifts and never leave home.  However, the Office of Consumer Protection reminds residents that buying online is also a convenient opportunity for scammers to take advantage of consumers.

When shopping, do business only with companies you know to be legitimate.  Don�t give out personal information such as your social security number on websites.  Make sure to keep a record of your purchase, and print out the confirmation page after a sale.  Take advantage of item tracking, and be aware of the merchant�s return policy.

Learn more.

NOTEWORTHY NOTES

Second Annual Homeless Resource Day

County residents experiencing homelessness are invited to participate in the second annual Homeless Resource Day on Thursday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Bohrer Park Activity Center, 506 South Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg. 

Sponsored by Montgomery County and the City of Gaithersburg, the event will offer a wide range of resources for homeless residents.  More than 30 organizations will provide information and resources for individuals and families such as free medical screening, legal services, financial counseling, employment services, tax assistance, substance abuse and mental health counseling, and social services.

        

Free transportation will be provided from seven locations throughout the County.  Registration is not required and the event is free. 

Volunteers are needed to assist in a variety of roles.  For more information or to register as a volunteer, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HRDor call Gloria Huggins at 240-777-4565.

Recreation Department Winter Coat Drive

Montgomery County Recreation is collecting coats to support the Montgomery County Government/City of GaithersburgHomeless Resource Day.  Interfaith Works, which provides shelter, clothing and food to community members in need, is coordinating the coat drive. There is a lesser need for children�s coats, but they will also be accepted.

Gently used winter coats can be dropped off at the following Recreation facilities through November 8:

• Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver Aquatic Center, 5900 Executive Blvd., N. Bethesda;
• Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Dr., Wheaton;
• Jane Lawton Community Recreation Center, 4301 Willow La., Chevy Chase;
• Long Branch Community Recreation Center/Senior Center, 8700 Piney Branch Rd., Silver Spring;
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Swim Center, 1201 Jackson Rd., Silver Spring;
• Olney Indoor Swim Center, 16605 Georgia Ave., Olney;
• Potomac Community Recreation Center, 11315 Falls Rd., Potomac;
• Upper County Community Recreation Center, 8201 Emory Grove Rd., Gaithersburg; and
• Wisconsin Place Community Recreation Center, 5311 Friendship Blvd., Chevy Chase.

For more information about the Interfaith Works Coat Drive, call Christine Hong, 240-498-7727. 

For information about the Recreation Department donation sites, call Judy Stiles at 240-777-6875.  For information about the second annual Homeless Resource Day, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HRD.

Free Presentation for Public about Affordable Care Act

The public is invited to a free discussion on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) on Monday, November 12, from 6 to 7 p.m., at the Silver Spring Civic Buildingin Downtown Silver Spring. 

           

The Department of Health and Human Services� director, Uma

Ahluwalia, will present an overview of the ACA and how it will impact Montgomery County and Maryland. A question-and-answer period will follow.

Among the questions that will be addressed are: What additional changes are authorized by the ACA?  How is Marylandpreparing for ACA implementation?  What impact will the ACA have within Montgomery County?

For more information, contact Dourakine Rosarian at 240-777-4397. To request sign

 language interpreter services or other assistance to participate in this meeting, call

Shantee Jackson at 240-777-1058 (voice), 240-777-1295 (TTY) or email

shantee.jackson@montgomerycountymd.gov  by November 8.

Help Seniors Help Themselves

The Senior Connection of Montgomery County, Inc. links older adults to services and resources so they can live as independently as possible while remaining integral members of their community.

Volunteers can help by:

• Escorting an individual or couple to the store; assisting them with reading labels, reaching items from the shelf, delivering them home and helping put them away; or
•  Shopping for someone who may not be able to go to the store.

Senior Connection volunteers are matched with a senior for regularly scheduled grocery shopping assistance and find that fitting in a weekly or bimonthly grocery shopping trip can be accomplished even with a full time job. 

To learn more and/or to download an application, visit www.seniorconnectionmc.org or contact Marcia Custer at 301-962-0820, ext.14 or email marcia.custer@seniorconnectionmc.org.

Consumer Protection Wants You to Know about�the County�s Domestic Worker Law 

Do you have a nanny�a housekeeper� or a companion for a sick or elderly family member?  If you answered �yes,� Montgomery County�s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) wants to remind you of the County�s Domestic Worker Law.    

If you employ someone as a nanny, housekeeper, cook or a companion, you may be required to offer that individual a written employment contract and abide by state wage and workers� compensation laws.  Failure to comply with the county�s law may result in a civil penalty of $1,000 for each violation.  The Domestic Worker Law applies if the worker:

•  works primarily in a Montgomery County residence
•  works at least 20 hours per week for at least a 30 day period
•  performs primarily childcare, housekeeping, cooking, cleaning or laundry-type work
•  works as a companion to a sick, convalescing, disabled, or elderly individual
• has an employer that is an individual or an employment agency

To learn more about the Domestic Worker Law, contact OCP at 240-777-3636 or visit  http://bit.ly/Domestic_Worker_Lawfor additional resources. 

NOTEWORTHY NOTES

Free Seasonal Flu Vaccinations Offered through December

The Department of Health and Human Services reminds residents that free seasonal flu vaccinations are available in the County through the end of the year and appointments may be made online.

In addition, there will be three nasal spray (FluMist) clinics for healthy Montgomery County children three to 18 years of age, by appointment, on Monday, November 5.

No preservative-free injectable vaccine will be available this year at the County clinics.

Check the schedule for remaining vaccination clinics.

Make an appointment for a vaccination.



Your Chance to Serve: Openings on County Boards, Committees, Commissions

Public participation contributes to the work of County government and provides an important service to the community when a variety of issues, concerns and viewpoints are presented. Applicants of diverse backgrounds, professions, gender, geography, disability and ethnicity are encouraged to apply for vacancies on the numerous  County boards, committees and commissions.

Included among the organizations with current vacancies are the:

• Cable and Communications Advisory Committee
• Community Action Board
• Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board
• Victim Services Advisory Board

The deadline for applying is November 14, 2012.

Get details about each group with current openings, plus deadlines.

An application, consisting of a brief cover letter and resume, should be mailed to County Executive Isiah Leggett, 101 Monroe St., 2nd Floor, Rockville, MD  20850, or emailed to countyexecutive.boards@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Home and employment addresses, as well as contact phone numbers and email addresses, should be included. If appropriate, applicants should indicate the position for which they are applying.


Pilot Program Created for Financial Assistance for Use of Silver Spring Civic Building

The County has much to be proud of when it comes to the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza.  It has become one of the �go-to� destinations in downtown Silver Spring for a variety of community- and government-sponsored programs.

However, during these difficult economic times, members of the community have concerns about affordability regarding public use of the building.

To address this need, the County Executive is piloting a program during FY13 designed to provide financial assistance and increase opportunities for non-profit groups that meet the eligibility criteria.

A Review Committee will evaluate applications for the program.

Learn more about the pilot.

Consumer Protection Wants You to Know about�No More Telemarketers

No one likes getting calls from telemarketers -- persistent salespersons trying to sell you products you don�t want are something you expect to escape from once you get home, but telemarketers continue to call.

Did you know there is a way to keep telemarketers from calling you?  Visit the Office of Consumer Protection�s (OCP) A-Z Consumer Advice:  Do Not Call List for more information.

OCP is the Montgomery County agency responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws that prohibit unfair and deceptive business acts to ensure a fair marketplace for consumers and businesses. The office was established in 1971 and since then, has earned national recognition for its accomplishments.

NOTEWORTHY NOTES

WWII Veterans Tribute Viewing Schedule

Montgomery County�s public cable television stations are re-broadcasting the complete ceremonies at which the County honored more than 175 veterans of World War II on Sept. 19 at the Silver Spring Civic Building. The ceremonies were originally broadcast live over the channels of the PEG (public /education / government) stations.

Veterans ranging in age from 86 to 105 and having experiences from some of the most historic events of the past century were among the 500 people who attended Montgomery County Honors World War II Veterans. The event is believed to have been the largest Washington-area tribute to World War II veterans since the National World War II Memorial opened in Washington, DC in 2004.
The one-hour and 45-minute program can be seen in October as follows:

• Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. Montgomery Community Media
  (Channel 21 on Comcast, Verizon and RCN)

On Veterans Day, many of the channels that compose the PEG organization (including County Cable Montgomery, Montgomery Community Media, Montgomery College Television, Montgomery County Public Schools TV and Rockville 11) will show continuous extended interviews with many of the veterans who attended the event and interviews with other veterans who could not attend. On Memorial Day 2013, a one-hour documentary on the County�s World War II veterans will debut.

International Walk to School Day

Looking for a healthy way to start the day? Join thousands of students, parents and community members throughout Montgomery County in celebrating the simple act of walking and bicycling to school on International Walk to School Day, Wednesday, October 3.

The program provides a way to bring community leaders and children together to promote more walkable communities, safer streets, healthier habits and cleaner air.

For more information about Walk to School Day, contact Nadji Kirby at 240-777-7169; email nadji.kirby@montgomerycountymd.gov.
 Or, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/saferoutestoschool.

30th Annual Germantown Oktoberfest: Same Fun, New Location

The 30th Annual Germantown Oktoberfest, Upcounty�s longest running event, will be held Saturday, October 6 at High Point Farm, 23730 Frederick Rd. (across from Little Bennett Park.). There will music, rides, games, activities and food for the whole family from 9:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Proceeds this year will benefit the Wounded Warriors project.

See more details.

Health Festival Marks Hispanic Heritage Month

In commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month -- September 15 to October 15 -- Montgomery County will host the �Ama Tu Vida� (Love Your Life) Health Festival on Sunday, October 7 from noon to 5 p.m.  The festival will be held at Veteran�s Plaza, located at the corner of Ellsworth Dr. and Fenton St. in Downtown Silver Spring.

The fair will include free blood pressure, cholesterol and vision screenings by local hospitals, community clinics and health organizations. Entertainment will be provided by various area cultural groups. 

Event sponsors include the Latino Health Initiative, the Office of Community Partnerships, the Montgomery County Department of Recreation, Suburban Hospital and Radio America.

For information about the health festival, call 240-777-4173.

Family Justice Center Foundation Benefit

The Montgomery County Family Justice Center Foundation�s Third Annual Benefit will be held on Sunday, October 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda, One Bethesda Metro Center.  The event will be hosted by Board Member, Benefit Chair and Montgomery County�s First Lady Catherine Leggett with award-winning ABC7/WJLA-TV anchor Greta Kreuz as emcee.

The foundation supports the Montgomery County Family Justice Center that opened in 2009 at 600 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 500, in Rockville.  The center provides services ranging from safety planning, help with obtaining protective orders and pro bono legal support to law enforcement intervention, emergency services, and counseling. 

Each year, the benefit recognizes outstanding individuals and companies whose work has been invaluable in bringing awareness and aid to victims of domestic violence. This year�s honorees are: Sen. Barbara Mikulski (Forerunner Award); Dorothy Lennig, Esq., director, Legal Clinic, House of Ruth Maryland (Marilyn J. Praisner Award); Laura Chase, Esq., Deputy State�s Attorney for Montgomery County (Inspiring Leader Award); and Kaiser Permanente (Corporate Legacy Award).

Individual tickets are $125 for the benefit that will feature a silent and live auction, dinner, and awards presentations.  To learn more about the Foundation and the honorees or to register online to attend, go to http://www.mcfjcfoundation.org

One Stop Fair Housing Shop

Housing professionals and providers will have an opportunity to meet fair housing regulators in Montgomery County at the free Fair Housing Educational Forum on Tuesday, October 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Silver Spring Civic Center, One Veterans Plaza (corner of Ellsworth Dr. and Fenton St.).

The �One Stop Fair Housing Shop� is sponsored by the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights.
Advance registration is required.

To register/RSVP, request TTD or receive additional information, contact: Anis Ahmed, Office of Human Rights, 240-777-8454 or email fairhousing@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Sign language interpreters and accommodations must be requested by October 2. All others must RSVP by October 12.

Your Chance to Serve: Openings on Boards, Committees and Commissions

Public participation contributes to the work of County government and provides an important service to the community when a variety of issues, concerns and viewpoints are presented.

Currently, there is an opportunity to serve on any one of the following County boards, committees and commissions:

• Domestic Violence Coordinating Council -- Apply by October 5, 2012
• Library Board � Apply by October 10, 2012

See more details about vacancies.

An application, consisting of a brief cover letter and resume, should be mailed to County Executive Isiah Leggett, 101 Monroe St., 2nd Floor, Rockville, MD  20850, or emailed to countyexecutive.boards@montgomerycountymd.gov.  Home and employment addresses, as well as contact phone numbers and email addresses, should be included. If appropriate, applicants should indicate the position for which they are applying.

Consumer Protection Wants You to Know about�Travel Scams

Whether you�re off to see the sights, sunbathe on the sand or ski the slopes, it pays to be an informed travel shopper.  To help avoid vacation frustration, follow these tips:

• Use a credit card to make your purchase.
• Won a �free� vacation? Not so fast; read the fine print and remember, if a promotion is legitimate, you never need to pay for a prize.
• Purchase vacation packages only from legitimate travel agencies.

For more information, visit OCP�s A-Z Consumer Advice: Travel Agencies.

The Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is the County agency responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws that prohibit unfair and deceptive business acts to ensure a fair marketplace for consumers and businesses.

NOTEWORTHY NOTES

Vehicle Donations Needed for Automotive Education Program

The Automotive Trades Foundation (ATF), also known as The Montgomery County Students Automotive Trades Foundation, Inc., is a non-profit foundation established by Montgomery County Public Schools and the local business community to promote automotive education through a student-run licensed used car dealership.

This method of training high school students for skilled positions in the automotive field offers hands-on instruction. Students also are introduced to potential employers with available automotive positions in technical service, customer service, sales and management. They receive valuable on-the-job training that prepares them for higher educational opportunities or direct entry into the automotive job market.

The automotive education program currently is in need of vehicle donations so the program, begun in 1978, can continue.

Donated vehicles allow students to learn through the "Mini-Dealership" model, a student- run business that evaluates and refurbishes donated vehicles to be marketed by students and resold back to the public.

The donated vehicles should meet the following criteria:

• Runs under its own power (unless the customer is willing to tow in)
• No major accidents (such as a bent frame)
• Has a clean unmarked title and lien release (if the vehicle had a loan)

Donors must also complete a Donation Authorization Form.

For more details visit http://www.atfcareers.org/ and go to Donate Your Car at the top of the website.

A Green Move: Council Passes Bill to Prohibit Use, Sale of Certain Coal Tar Products

The Montgomery County Council has unanimously approved Bill 21-12 that will prohibit the use and sale of certain coal-tar products that are generally used as sealants on driveways.

With passage of the legislation, Montgomery is the first county in Maryland, and one of the largest counties in the nation, to prohibit the sale of the sealants, which have been recognized to contaminate soils, lakes and homes as they disintegrate and run off after application.

The U.S. Geolological Survey and the American Chemical Society have explained that sealcoat does not stay on a pavement permanently. Sealcoat manufacturers generally recommend re-applications between one and five years, depending upon the product used. The particles can be washed off the roadway by rain and carried through storm drains into streams, ponds and stormwater management devices. Other particles can be blown away by wind or tracked indoors on the soles of shoes.

The Department of Environmental Protection will oversee enforcement of the law.

Read more.

Transportation�s 2012 Annual Report Online

Past accomplishments and future initiatives are among the topics found in the Department of Transportation�s new 2012 Annual Report now available online.  The report also contains a special supplement on the County�s Pedestrian Safety Initiative.

New �Community Cornerstones�� Brochure from Heritage Montgomery

The stories of 24 unique, historic African American churches and their Montgomery County communities are highlighted in a new brochure �Community Cornerstones: A Selection of Historic African American Churches in Montgomery County, Maryland� produced by The Heritage Tourism Alliance of Montgomery County (Heritage Montgomery).

The 34-page booklet can be used as a guide to draw attention to sites that residents may have passed on a daily basis, unaware of their meaningful history, or it can serve as a handy reference for anyone interested in seeing the churches.

View Community Cornerstones online.  Paper copies are available from the Heritage Montgomery office, 12515 Milestone Manor La., Germantown MD 20876 or at heritage sites around the County.

Read more about the brochure.

Take a Look at� Other Sources of News about the County

Montgomery County Volunteer Center
Any time of the year is the right time to get involved, give back to your community and volunteer.  �Montgomery Volunteer,� the Volunteer Center�s online newsletter, keeps readers up on the latest opportunities for all ages and interests.

See the newsletter.

Consumer Protection Wants You to Know about� Scholarship Scams

Need money for college? Doesn't everybody. Unfortunately, in their efforts to pay the bills, many students and their families are falling prey to scholarship scams.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, unscrupulous companies guarantee or promise scholarships, grants or fantastic financial aid packages. Many use high pressure sales pitches at seminars where you are required to pay immediately or risk losing out on the "opportunity.�  For advice on what to look out for, visit the FTC online.