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.

Register Now for Winter Recreation Programs

Don�t take a holiday from physical or mental activity, just because winter�s coming.

The winter issue of the Montgomery County Guide for Recreation and Parks Programs features hundreds of programs and activities for all ages, interests and abilities that will help keep residents active during the winter months. 

Registrations are now being taken for winter programs and classes, while registration for swim lessons opens on December 12. 

           

Register online or by mail, fax, or in person at the Montgomery County Recreation Administrative Offices located at 4010 Randolph Rd., Silver Spring.

Print copies of the Guide are available at recreation centers, park facilities, government buildings and libraries.  Residents who prefer receiving the Guide in the mail can pay an annual subscription fee of $5 and receive a full year of five issues (Summer, Fall, Winter, Summer Camps and Spring). To view the Guide online, or to sign up for a subscription, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec.  

For more information, call 240-777-6840.

Hit the Ice this Winter Season around the County

Silver Spring Ice Rink; Veterans Skate Free through November 11

The outdoor Silver Spring Ice Skating Rink in Downtown Silver Spring at Veterans' Plaza is open for the season now through March 25, 2013.

As a special �thank you,� Montgomery County and Tri-State Ice Management invites all military veterans to come and skate free now through Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11. Vets will get a free skating pass, including skates.

A variety of restaurants and shops, plus plenty of parking are nearby. Parking is free after 8 p.m. on weeknights and all day on weekends.


Rockville Town Square Rink

The Rockville Town Square Ice Rink is now open for its 2012-13 season.

Also operated by Tri-State Ice Management, the 7,200 square-foot rink is the largest outdoor ice skating rink between Baltimore and Washington, DC. Located on the square between Maryland Ave. and Gibbs St., the rink is surrounded by shops and restaurants suited for a variety of inetersts and tastes.

Cabin John Ice Rink; Special Veterans Day Skate        

Located at 10610 Westlake Drive, Rockville, the indoor Cabin John Ice Rink is open year round but has a variety of seasonal events planned for skaters of all ages.

Cabin John Rink is a Montgomery Parks facility.

There will be a Veterans Day Skate on Sunday, November 11 from 8:30 to10 a.m.; 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.; and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. This means free skating and skate rentals for all military personnel (veterans and active duty) and their families during these times.

Wheaton Ice Arena; Salute to Veterans with Free Skate for Military Personnel

The other one of the two ice skating facilities owned and managed by Montgomery Parks, Wheaton Ice Arena, is located at 11717 Orebaugh Ave.

In a special salute to veterans, Wheaton Ice Arena is offering free skating and skate rentals for all military personnel (veterans and active duty) and their families on Sunday, November, 11 from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and 2:45 to 4:45 p.m.

Open year-round, the NHL-size rink offers sessions for all skating abilities and interests. Programs are offered for recreational, freestyle, hockey and speed skaters. Other amenities are a warming room, party rooms, pro shop, and snack bar and workout facility.

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. 

New Dryland Facility Used by US Olympic Dive Team

US Dive Team member and Olympic medalist Nick McCrory (left) used
the new Wall Park facility during the team�s training sessions
in Montgomery County just prior to leaving for London.

Thanks to a new public-private partnership between M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks and the Montgomery Dive Club, the County will have its first dedicated dryland diving training facility.

The partnership has enabled the conversion of a 1,600 square-foot facility from underutilized, standalone handball courts into a multi-purpose acrobatics and gymnastic site for dryland diving training. It will also be used for new community programs and classes for people of all ages. All costs will be covered by the Montgomery Dive Club.

The project was approved in late June 2012 by the Montgomery County Planning Board. The partner immediately moved mobile equipment into the facility so the USA Olympic Diving Team could train there during the week leading up to their departure for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Montgomery Dive Club members will now train at the new Wall Park dryland facility, as well as the Eunice Kennedy and Sargent Shriver Aquatic Center operated by the County Recreation Department.

NOTEWORTHY NOTES

FROM THE LAST ISSUE, READERS ASKED ABOUT: All That Tree Debris at the Transfer Station

For instance, one wanted to know: How does the amount of debris compare to �normal� times (obviously, it is greater but how much)?   How is it reduced to mulch?  Where does it go from the Transfer Station? And, why is it -- or is it not -- burned along with other trash at the Dickerson power plant?

Peter Karasik, the Section Chief for Central Operations at the Transfer Station responded:
"On an annual average basis, the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station receives about 350 vehicles per day of all sizes delivering yard waste and tree debris.  There are, however, normal seasonal variations. So, a busy day in the spring or early summer may result in 600 to 700 vehicles with yard waste/tree debris coming to our facility, while January and February may have fewer than 100 vehicles per day.

"In the first week after the June 29 storm, we received 1,500 to 2,000 vehicles most days with a record-setting 4,300 vehicles on Tuesday, July 3.

"The Division of Solid Waste Services owns three large horizontal grinders with approximately 1,000-horsepower engines that can grind almost all tree debris except for large stumps which need to be broken up first.  Each of these machines can process more than 100 tons per hour of natural wood waste.

"Our contractor, Grant County Mulch, picks up the mulch, so it is not burned. They pay us about $5 per ton, so we recover some of our processing costs."

******

Another reader suggested: Why don�t you make all this hardwood available to residents as firewood, rather than turning it all into mulch?  I would be willing to pay for it and load it myself. 

Peter replied:
"Other residents have asked the same question. However, we have some concerns with respect to letting residents come onsite with chain saws and cut up and load bulky wood waste.

"First, we�re concerned about general safety. People would be climbing around piles of wood and shifting logs trying to get at the better material.  It would be a difficult situation to safely manage.

"We also have a very limited amount of space onsite, so we could not keep things moving after a major storm if residents parked in our lot and spent an hour or so cutting wood and loading up their trucks. If we had more space, we could have a professional tree trimming contractor cut up the wood waste and prepare bundles or cords of firewood for sale.

"So although we agree with the concept, we currently just don�t have the space to do it."

Thanks to our readers for their insightful questions. 

MC311 Customer Service Center Extends Hours of Operation

Under the extended hours that recently took effect, the County�s MC311 Customer Service Center (CSC) is now operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

An analysis conducted last April (when the center operated until 5 p.m.) indicated that from 5 to 7 p.m. between 135 and 175 calls came in to the center. This means that an additional 700 to 800 customers a week, or more than 3,000 additional customers a month, could be served in the extra two hours. 

Shortly before MC311�s launch in June 2010, a decision was made to operate 10 hours-a-day, five days-a-week until there was a better understanding of call volume and staffing needs.  Over the past two years,  increased portal usage and significant improvements in the call center operations have created greater efficiencies in the operation. 

For those who prefer online contact, the self-service website, www.MC311.com, is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.

Read more.

Board of Elections Seeks Help on Election Day

Judges with Spanish-Speaking Fluency

Montgomery County Board of Elections is seeking individuals with Spanish speaking fluency to serve as election judges at polling places on Election Day, Tuesday, November 6, 2012.

Election judges must be: registered to vote in the State of Maryland, 18 years of age or older and a U.S. citizen. In addition to Spanish speaking fluency, election judges must also be able to speak, read and write in English. All election judges will be compensated for training and for Election Day service.

Anyone interested in serving should contact the Montgomery County Board of Elections at 240-777-8532, download an election judge questionnaire from www.777vote.org or e-mail Dr. Gilberto Zelaya at gilberto.zelaya@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Student Election Aides

School-age students, grades 6-12, are needed to serve as Election Day student aides.

Students and their guardians must attend mandatory training to serve on Election Day and, if applicable, to receive Student Service Learning (SSL) credits.  Students are placed in neighboring precincts according to their home addresses. 

Students within a public, private, independent, religious or home-school setting in Montgomery County are eligible to apply.  U.S. citizenship is not a pre-requisite to participate.  Students with bilingual and American Sign Language skills are encouraged to apply.

Interested parents/guardians can register their student(s), before October 1, online by visiting  www.777vote.org.

For additional information, email future.vote@montgomerycountymd.gov.

New Look, Enhanced Features for Board of Elections' Website

Montgomery County Board of Elections website -- www.777vote.org -- has been redesigned with a fresh look, new and enhanced features, and easier and more straightforward navigation tools.

The new site, designed in coordination with the Department of Technology Services, was upgraded in response to requests for improvements and greater accessibility for disabled and non-English speaking constituents.

Visitors to the site should take note. Some of the links within the page have changed.  Voters are encouraged to enter the site via the home page rather than through the utilization of previously bookmarked links.

Give the Gift of Literacy

The Literacy Council of Montgomery County will hold an information session for volunteers interested in helping adults learn to read, write, or speak English on Wednesday, August 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rockville Memorial Library.

Once volunteers have completed the orientation, they can select a two-part training session that fits their schedules.  No foreign language skills are necessary. Tutors work one-on-one or with small groups and typically meet with students in libraries or community centers at mutually convenient times.

For complete details, call 301-610-0030, email info@literacycouncilmcmd.org or visit www.literacycouncilmcmd.org.

Fall Guide for Recreation and Parks Programs Now Available

The fall issue of the Montgomery County Guide for Recreation and Parks Programs is out, and residents are advised to register now for programs, classes and swim lessons.

Print copies of the guide are available at recreation centers, park facilities, government buildings and libraries. Residents who prefer receiving the guide in the mail can pay an annual subscription fee of $5 and receive all five issues (Summer, Fall, Winter, Summer Camps and Spring).

To view the guide online, or to sign up for a subscription, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec. For more information, call 240-777-6840.

Nominations Open for Human Rights Hall of Fame

The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights (OHR) is currently accepting nominations for its Seventh Hall of Fame.  Nominations should be individuals � either living or deceased � whose ongoing work, service and contributions have positively impacted human and civil rights in the County.  The deadline for nominations is September 10.

A select number of nominees will be recommended for the Hall of Fame by a panel of community judges.  The induction ceremony is planned for Sunday, October 28, from 3 to 5 p.m., at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown.

The OHR Hall of Fame began in 2001 and is held every other year.  More than 70 individuals have been inducted over the years. 

For a complete listing of inductees, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/humanrights.  

Nomination forms are available online, or by calling the Office of Human Rights at 240-777-8456.

�Small Business Plus!� is Here

Developed through a unique collaboration between Montgomery County and community banks headquartered in the County, �Small Business Plus!� will promote job growth through small business lending and earn a competitive rate of return for the County on its investment.

Ten million dollars in County funds will be invested in participating community banks that will, in turn, commit an equal amount.  This means that $20 million will be lent to local small businesses to further promote the creation of new jobs.

Banks may participate if they: are headquartered in Montgomery County; have assets greater than $200 million and less than $5 billion; and meet certain safety and soundness standards established by the County.

Read more.

Consumer Protection Tip: Save on Energy Bills 

This summer is setting heat records!  To keep energy bills down, consider investing in a new, energy-efficient heating and cooling unit. You can also seal air leaks in your home, improve insulation and simply set your thermostat higher in the summer.

For more suggestions, visit Maryland Energy Administration�s webpage on Energy Efficient Cooling Systems

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Thursday, September 6 � Public presentation of renovation plans for Ross Boddy Neighborhood Recreation Center. 7 p.m. In the multi-purpose room of the center, 18529 Brooke Rd., Sandy Spring. The departments of Recreation and General Services and the project architects will present the renovation plans that would modernize the facility and add a gymnasium and other improvements. For additional information on the meeting, contact Wilbert Givens at 240-777-8050. Learn more about the project.

Saturday, September 22 -- Car Free Day. The event is organized and promoted by the Council of Governments� Commuter Connections program to encourage people to use alternative methods of transportation, such as walking, biking, public transportation or going �car lite� by riding in a carpool. The region benefits through improved air quality, reduced traffic congestion and parking demands, and energy conservation.  Car Free Day coincides with International Mobility Week, September 16-22. Pledge to be �car free� or �car lite� at the Council of Governments� website.  Learn about carpooling options at MCDOT's Commuter Services' website or call 240-773-TRIPS (8747).

Check County Calendar for complete list of events.

Making News

On the Way to London: Olympic Dive Team Makes a Splash in County

US Olympians execute a dive during a training session for the media at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver Aquatic Center in North Bethesda.

Local media and residents had a couple of unique opportunities to see the U.S. Olympic Team�Diving during the four days of training sessions held in the County before the team departed for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

Montgomery County Recreation hosted a media-only training session for the team on July 14 at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver Aquatic Center in North Bethesda. Members of the media filmed and interviewed team members during the session.

The following day, the Olympians participated in a special exhibition at the Germantown Indoor Swim Center. In addition to elected officials and residents, the full-house audience included Olympic Champion diver Greg Louganis, who is serving as a mentor to the US team.

Inside word has it that the team was very happy with the facilities here in Montgomery County and that they were accessible and friendly to both Recreation staff, other swimmers and the public, in general, signing autographs and talking with young people.

See the team in Montgomery County on YouTube.

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Gazette Editorial Commends County�s �Latest Milestone� in Recycling

In the past 60 days, the County has taken two more giant steps to enhance its reputation as a local leader in recycling efforts.

The first step came in May when County Executive Ike Leggett announced establishment of a new, higher recycling goal -- 70 percent of the waste stream being recycled by the end of 2020. The new goal would be one of the highest among jurisdictions in the metropolitan region, as well as other counties across the United States.

The second step came at the end of June when the Executive announced that residents of single-family homes receiving County recycling pick ups can now add PET thermoform plastics to their recycling bins. [See photo.]

PET plastic is used to make items such as cups and rigid packaging. It is a transparent, lightweight, strong, safe, shatterproof and recyclable packaging material commonly used to package fresh fruits and vegetables, bakery items, prepared foods and salads, and deli items.

Both announcements were lauded by The Gazette in a July 11 editorial entitled �Recycling strides.� Adding clamshell containers, the editorial stated, �is the latest milestone in the county�s recycling program which is getting even more ambitious after the county executive raised the goal on how much of the county�s trash�should be recycled by 2020.�

Read the full editorial.

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Correction and Rehabilitation Program Featured on Channel 7

Turning lives around is more than a phrase at the County�s Correctional Facility in Clarksburg.

It�s a fact, thanks to a comprehensive work program that teaches life skills to inmates learning how to make new starts for themselves.

ABC 7 News (WJLA) recently detailed the program, a dedicated career coach and the positive impact both are having on inmates.

Watch and/or read the story.