County News

Sustainable Commuting Workshop - Recent news articles and research indicate that work commutes are a heavy burden on businesses and employees in our region. Long commutes sap productivity and can impact a company‚s profit margin. Now is the time to implement commute-reducing programs that can reduce turnover costs, improve morale, and better position your business for the competitive future. Hear what area businesses are doing to shorten or eliminate commutes, increase productivity and improve bottom lines. Hear from local experts from the housing, telework and transportation fields.

Date: Thursday, June 10, 2010
Time: 8:30 am to 12 noon
Place: Executive Office Building
Auditorium Lobby Level, Rockville, MD
Registration: Call Commuter Services at 240-777-8384 or register online at https://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/meetingregistration/

Metro General Manager to Senate Subcommittee: Improved safety, reliability plan in place - Metro General Manager Richard Sarles testified before the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations (May 19) and reiterated the transit agency‚s request for $150 million in fiscal year 2011. For more information go to: http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4458

Montgomery County Council Approves Ambulance Fee, Carbon Emitters Tax, Increases for Energy and Cell Phone Taxes. Measures˜Including $24.4 Million Reduction in MCPS Budget˜Point Toward Agreement on Thursday, May 20, of County‚s Fiscal Year - The Montgomery County Council today approved several key measures that allow it to preserve essential services while addressing the austere budget pressures created by the ongoing national recession. Today‚s actions, including the unanimous decision to reduce the Montgomery County Public Schools budget by $24.4 million, move the Council closer toward an agreement on the 2011 Fiscal Year Operating Budget. The Council is now scheduled to reach a tentative agreement on the budget in a session that begins at 1:30 pm on Thursday, May 20. For more information go to: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Apps/Council/PressRelease/PR_details.asp?PrID=6613

Montgomery County Guide to Recreation and Park Programs No Longer Mailed to Homes Due to Budget Constraints - The Summer 2010 edition of the Montgomery County Guide to Recreation and Park Programs will not be mailed to the homes of county residents this month but will instead go electronic as the Department of Parks and the Department of Recreation adapt to meet the challenges of the county‚s unprecedented budget shortfall. For more information go to: http://mncppc.typepad.com/news/2010/05/montgomery-county-guide-to-recreation-and-park-programs-no-longer-mailed-to-homes-due-to-budget-cons.html#more

Free Disaster Preparedness Training Sponsored by NAMI MC - In a big disaster, you need to be safe. That means planning ahead! Take your first step by coming to NAMI MC for disaster preparedness training. Expert trainer, Laura Copeland, will hold an interactive session presenting an overview of disaster basics, and will give tips on how to manage medication, access therapists, care for your pet, and minimize stress during an emergency.

 Free!
 Appropriate for Individuals Diagnosed with a Mental Illness as well as Family Members/Caregivers
 Bring your lunch - Sodas, Tea, & Water will be served
 Pre-register today!
 Free & Plentiful Parking

Wednesday May 26, 2010
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
NAMI Montgomery County Office
11718 Parklawn Drive ' Rockville, MD
Call Rose 301-949-5852 x105 rhalper@namimc.org

REMINDER - Bike to Work Day is May 21st ˆ Join the Bethesda Transportation Solutions staff and Maryland State Delegate Bill Bronrott at 6:30 am on Friday, May 21st at the Bethesda pit stop (Reed Street, at the corner of Bethesda Ave & Woodmont Ave). Attendees will enjoy breakfast, prizes, DJ entertainment, bike tune-ups on site by REI and City Bikes, and more, all for FREE! Register in advance online at: http://www.waba.org/events/btwd/md_bethesda.php

Customers Should Expect Lengthy Delays on Metrorail This Weekend - Customers can expect lengthy delays of up to 30 minutes this weekend (May 21-23) as old track components are replaced on the Red, Orange and Green lines, causing inbound and outbound trains to take turns sharing one track on portions of the rail system. For moreinformation go to: http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4459

Mayfair 2010 - Will be held at Bethesda Elementary School; there will be rides, games, food and fun something for everyone! On Sunday, May 23rd from Noon to 4 pm, Bethesda Elementary School, 7600 Arlington Road.

What Do You Think? - Tell us your opinion about your experiences with and attitudes toward Rockville. There are no right or wrong answers; just perceptions of what Rockville is. To access the survey go to: http://www.rockvillemd.gov/brandrockville

Inadequate Funding Impacts Future Highway Projects and Metro - Members of the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) voted today to advance the 2010 update of the region‚s transportation plan. The plan update, which must be consistent with available revenue, will delete and delay more projects than it will add due to funding shortfalls at the state and local levels. For more information go to: http://www.mwcog.org/news/press/detail.asp?NEWS_ID=451