About Councilmember Navarro

I serve as the Council Vice-President and the Montgomery County Councilmember representing District 4. I am the chair of the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee and also serve on the Health and Human Services Committee.

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October 29, 2009

Don't Be A Statistic!

Did you know that in Montgomery County, 22% of pedestrian collisions occur in parking lots?


Don't Be a Statistic!

Here are some tips from the Montgomery County Office of Public Information on how to be safe in Parking Lots:


For Pedestrians:

  • Always stay alert for vehicles.

  • Don't assume drivers see you.

  • Watch for vehicles pulling out of parking spaces.

  • Don't walk behind a vehicle that is backing out.

  • Be cautious and look around before walking out between parked vehicles.

  • Treat the parking lot as you would a road - be aware and constantly look for moving vehicles.

For Drivers:

  • Always stay alert for pedestrians.

  • Don't assume pedestrians see you.

  • Be especially cautious backing out of a space when parked next to taller vehicles that obstruct your view.

  • Parking lots are not speedways - slow down!

  • Never cut across parking space lanes.

  • Treat the parking lot as you would a road - be aware and constantly look out for pedestrians.

Safety is your responsibility!

»»  read more

Photo of the Week - Kennedy High School Community Service Week

Kennedy High School seniors Jonathan Jayes Green (left) and Nannette Nunu (center) collect clothing for
Community Service Week. Kennedy's Student Service Learning Coordinator Juanita Goudy (Student Service Learning Coordinator) collaborated with InterFaith Works on this community service project.



Kennedy High School students decided that, this year, instead of having Community Service Day, they would celebrate a Community Service Week. From October 19-23, they collected clothing items, shoes, and toys to be donated to Interfaith Works. Community Service Week was advertised through Facebook, fliers, and even with a video on the morning announcements.

"There are a lot of people in need out there, and it is our responsibility to help them," said Ms. Goudy, Student Service Learning Coordinator at Kennedy High School.
»»  read more

Consejo Legal Gratis

El Programa Pro Bono de la Fundación de Abogacía del Condado de Montgomery, con la ayuda del Centro de Servicios del Condado Este, tiene varias clínicas legales para residentes de bajo ingreso en las siguientes fechas:
  • 1 de Octubre

  • 8 de Octubre

  • 5 de Noviembre

  • 12 de Noviembre

  • 3 de Diciembre

  • 10 de Diciembre
Estas clínicas se llevarán acabo de 5:30 p.m. hasta las 8:30 p.m.

Estas consultas legales tendran una variedad de temas, incluyendo custodia, manutención de los hijos, las deudas, y la inmigración.

¡El espacio es limitado, así que por favor llegue a tiempo! Usted puede llamar a las líneas de nuestra programa de lunes a jueves, desde las 8:30 de la mañana hasta las 5 de la tarde:
  • (301) 424-7651

  • (301) 424-7652

  • (301) 424-7633
»»  read more

October 28, 2009

Free Legal Advice Clinics!

The Montgomery County Bar Foundation Pro Bono Program, in partnership with the Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center, will have free evening legal advice consultations for low-income community residents at the Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center on the following dates:
  • October 1
  • October 8
  • November 5
  • November 12
  • December 3
  • December 10
The clinics are held in the evening from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

These legal consultations span a variety of topics, including custody, child support, debts, and immigration. You must complete a client intake within the first half hour to be assisted. Space is limited, so please be on time!

You may call the following client intake lines Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • (301) 424-7651
  • (301) 424-7652
  • (301) 424-7633
»»  read more

The Parent Academy Fall 2009 Workshops

Welcome Back to Another Exciting Series of the MCPS Parent Academy!

Parent Academy workshops are designed to inform and empower parents as advocates and partners in their children's education. You can choose topics related to student achievement, advocating for your child, guiding your child's decision-making and behind the scenes tours of transportation, food services, Montgomery College, and the Universities at Shady Grove.

All workshops are FREE and held at locations throughout Montgomery County. Child care and interpretation service is provided.

For additional information, visit our website at www.mcpsparentacademy.org

Sign up for one or more workshops today!

To see a list of workshops and more information regarding registration (including the registration form), download the PDF here.
»»  read more

Celebrate America Recycles Day!

Celebrate
America Recycles Day!

Paper Shredding/Recycling & Donation Drop-Off
Shred and recycle your personal papers and donate usable clothing and household goods at these locations (Montgomery County residents only):

Saturday, November 14 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Upcounty Regional Services Center
12900 Middlebrook Road
Germantown, MD 20874

and

Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center
3300 Briggs Chaney Road
Silver Spring, MD 20904


Sunday, November 15 from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

John F. Kennedy High School
1901 Randolph Road
Silver Spring, MD 20902

Sunday, November 15 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Walt Whitman High School
7100 Whittier Boulevard
Bethesda, MD 20817

These events will occur, rain or shine.

Services provided by Office Paper Systems, The Arc of Montgomery County Thrift Store, Lupus Foundation of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, and National Children's Center, Inc.


On-Site Paper Shredding and Recycling Guidelines
Services provided by Office Paper Systems

Paper shredding is available at no charge to Montgomery County residents only (no businesses are permitted).
  • Cars must be in line by closing time
  • All types of paper such as financial and legal documents, receipts, and tax and medical records will be accepted for shredding
  • Paper with staples or paper clips is acceptable
  • Envelopes with plastic windows are acceptable
  • No plastic or electronic items such as credit cards, CDs, or computer disks
  • Limit: five paper bags or small boxes per household
Clothing and Household Goods Donation Guidelines
Benefiting The Arc of Montgomery County Thrift Store, Lupus Foundation of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, and National Children's Center, Inc.

Bring quality items that are in working/usable condition. Please bring clothing and small loose items in bags or boxes.
  • Clean clothing, shoes, accessories, and bed and bath items
  • Miscellaneous household goods such as dining ware, pots and pans, glassware, picture frames, stuffed animals, games, power tools, small electronic, and garden tools
  • Books, CDs, DVDs, etc.
  • Furniture and other items such as tables, chairs, lamps, and exercise/sporting equipment
  • Do not bring large heavy furniture items such as sofas or loveseats, mattresses, large appliances, automobile parts, construction materials, televisions, computer monitors, or food
For more information, please contact the Montgomery County Division of Solid Waste Services by phone at (240) 777-6410, by fax at (240) 777-6465, by e-mail at recycle@montgomerycountymd.gov or by visiting www.montgomerycountymd.gov/recycling.
»»  read more

A College Fair and Symposium with Congresswoman Donna Edwards

A College Fair and Symposium
Hosted by Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (MD-4)

Planning for Future Success:

Helping students and families understand and navigate the college application process

Saturday, November 14, 2009
8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Bowie State University
14000 Jericho Road
Bowie, MD
(301) 860-4000

Representatives From:
  • Colleges and universities
  • Testing centers
  • Career training institutions
Learn More About:
  • Financial aid resources
  • Post-secondary education opportunities
Learn How to Write:
  • Winning applications
  • Essays
  • Resumes
For more information, visit www.DonnaEdwards.house.gov or call (301) 516-7601
»»  read more

October 27, 2009

Choosing the Right Federal Health Benefits Plan

OPEN SEASON:

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FEDERAL HEALTH BENEFITS PLAN

CONGRESSMAN

CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

Invites you to his

SEVENTH ANNUAL

FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

HEALTH BENEFITS FORUM

In cooperation with the

Maryland Federation of Chapters of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association


Monday, November 16, 2009

9:00 - 11:00 am

(Panel begins at 9:30 am)

Holiday Park Senior Center

3950 Ferrara Drive

Wheaton, MD 20906


Thursday, November 19, 2009

7:00 - 9:00 pm

(Panel begins at 7:30 pm)

Executive Office Building

Executive Auditorium

101 Monroe Street

Rockville, Maryland 20850

(Ample parking is available on the street and in the parking garage across the street.)

Experts on federal health insurance plans and representatives of health insurance carriers will be present at both sessions to discuss various health plan options and answer individual questions. If you need special accommodations, such as a sign language interpreter, please call 301-424-3501 by October 26, 2009.

For additional information or directions, call 301-424-3501.

»»  read more

October 26, 2009

Preparing for Success!

The Montgomery County Women's Bar Foundation is sponsoring its 9th Annual "Preparing for Success" fall forum. The forum will will take place at the Rockville Campus of Montgomery College on November 21 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The program is free of charge, and is open to all high school students. The conference will include workshops focusing on getting and keeping a job, checkbooks and credit cards, as well as the college admissions process. A light breakfast and lunch will be served.

Free bus transportation will be provided at the following locations/times:

9:00 a.m. - Watkins Mill HS

9:15 a.m. - Gaithersburg HS
Montgomery Blair HS
Paint Branch HS

9:30 a.m. - Quince Orchard HS
Einstein HS
Blake HS

You may register online by visiting www.preparingforsuccess.org, or you can mail in the registration form (Click here to view the PDF) to:

Louise H. Preble Schwartz, Esq.,
4938 Hampden Lane, PMD No. 437, Bethesda, Maryland 20814

For more information, please call Louise H. Preble Schwartz, Esq. (301) 654-4345 or email patregnani@aol.com

Sponsored by: Montgomery County Women’s Bar Foundation, Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery College, Montgomery County Commission for Women, J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association, Maryland Hispanic Bar Association.
»»  read more

October 23, 2009

2010 Census Kick-Off Event

By Alexis Reed, Aide to Councilmember Navarro

Census Rally

On Wednesday, October 21, hundreds of people from across the County gathered to celebrate the complete count initiative in Montgomery County for the 2010 U.S. Census. The event, titled, The Montgomery County Census 2010 Rally, took place in Rockville Town Square in the morning. The event was open to the public, and provided a plethora of information about the upcoming 2010 U.S. Census.

Delicious refreshments were provided by Honest Tea and The Bean Bag Deli. The Mystic Warriors, an Andean music group, provided live music for the rally. Abe Lincoln, a regular participant in the Washington Nationals' Presidents Race, was also present at this event. Former U.S. Representatives Connie Morella and Michael
Barnes, Co-Chairs of the Complete Count
Committee, kicked off the event. The Beall Elementary School Chorus performed the National Anthem after a brief introduction, and concluded the event by singing "God Bless
America" along with members of the audience.

During the program, many elected officials and community leaders gave statements about the importance of participating in next year's Census. County Executive Ike Leggett, Council President Phil Andrews, Maryland Secretary of State John McDonough, were among the many leaders who spoke during the event. A video was presented just before Councilmember Navarro's statement, which provided additional information to the curious audience.

Read the press release from the event here.



The County's slogan for the upcoming Census is "Everyone Counts... in Montgomery County!"
The Montgomery County Complete Count Committee, where Councilmember Navarro serves as Vice-Chair, is working on outreach for groups that are "hard to count." District 4 has several Census Tracts that have been designated as some of the hardest-to-count tracts in the County, including communities in Fairland, Briggs Chaney, and Aspen Hill, among others.

See the Montgomery County Census Tracts Designated as Hard-to-Count here. (Warning! PDF!)

Which Groups are the Hardest to Count?
The U.S. Census Bureau developed 12 variables linked with non-response rates in 1990 and 2000. These variables are used by the Census Bureau to determine Hard-to-Count scores. The 12 attributes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, are:
  • Percent vacant housing units
  • Percent of housing units that are not single detached or attached units
  • Percent renter occupied housing units
  • Percent occupied housing units with more than 1.5 people per room
  • Percent households that are not husband/wife families
  • Percent occupied housing units with no telephone service
  • Percent not high school graduate (ages 25+)
  • Percent of people below the poverty line
  • Percent households with public assistance income
  • Percent of people unemployed
  • Percent linguistically isolated households
  • Percent occupied housing units where householder moved into unit in 1999-2000
Read U.S. Census data about Maryland through the American FactFinder.

How the U.S. Census Bureau Safeguards Your Privacy:

IMPORTANT! "Information collected by the U.S. Census Bureau is used only for statistical purposes. When the Census Bureau says it will keep your information confidential, that also means it will not release results that could be used to identify you. That's the law!" - U.S. Census Bureau

Title 13 of the U.S. code prevents Census Bureau employees from disclosing any information about individuals or businesses gathered by the agency. There are substantial penalties for breaking this law!

If You Have Any Questions about the Complete Count Committee Program...
Please contact the regional census center (Philadelphia) and ask for the Maryland/Montgomery County partnership area. (215) 717-1020.

For any additional questions/concerns regarding confidentiality of the U.S. Census Bureau...
Please call 1(800) 262-4236, or visit www.census.gov
»»  read more

October 20, 2009

MCPS to Unveil New Career Website

Starting in November 2009, current employees and prospective applicants seeking jobs with Montgomery County Public Schools will be able to search and apply for jobs online. In addition to searching and applying for positions, MCPS Careers will also allow applicants to find information about positions they are seeking, upload resumes, request email notifications of vacancies, create profiles, and check the status of applications throughout the hiring process.

MCPS Careers will make the job application process faster, more effective, and most importantly, it will reduce the use of paper.

MCPS anticipates hiring at least 700 teachers each year. There are currently over 11,000 teachers in the system. A beginning teacher with a bachelor's degree in 2009/2010 will earn $46,410, and teachers with advanced degrees can earn up to $103,634.

For more information, log onto www.mcpscareers.org or call the Office of Human Resources at (301) 279-3204.

»»  read more

October 19, 2009

Nancy in the Community

By Dolly Kildee, Aide to Councilmember Navarro

Councilmember Navarro attended a luncheon with residents of the Oaks at
Four Corners in Silver Spring on Friday, October 16. They enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Cubanos Restaurant in Downtown Silver Spring.

She updated the residents on some of the issues that are important to them, including the dangerous crosswalk in front of their residence, and the bus shelter that was severely damaged two years ago. Neil Pederson, Administrator of the State Highway Administration, conducted a study of the crosswalk situation. The study will be available within 2 weeks, and Councilmember Navarro will share it with the residents and support any recommendations forthcoming.

Councilmember Navarro also reported that the Montgomery County's Division of Transit Services advised her that this department will erect the bus shelter as soon as it is delivered. The councilmember also gave the residents a brief report on some of the other issues being addressed by the Council.

If you have any concerns directly affecting your community, please email
Councilmember.Navarro@montgomerycountymd.gov
»»  read more

October 15, 2009

Pepco Offers Customer Rebates on Energy Efficiency Appliances

Pepco Offers Customer Rebates on Energy Efficiency Appliances

Programs Designed to Reduce Energy Consumption and Costs

Pepco today began offering cash rebates for buying energy-saving appliances to encourage residential customers in the District of Columbia and Maryland to reduce their electric bills, conserve energy and protect the environment. These rebates are the first in a series of energy-efficiency programs that will be offered to residents by the end of the year, and include rebates for installation of high-efficiency central air conditioning, heat pumps, and home energy audits.

Rebates of up to $50 are now available on select ENERGY STAR® qualified refrigerators, room air conditioners and certain energy efficient water heaters purchased at any area retail store. These savings would be in addition to federal tax credits available on the purchase of these energy-efficient appliances.

“These programs are being offered to help our customers meet the challenge of rising energy costs and the impact of energy use on the environment,” said Thomas Graham, President, Pepco Region. “By working together to reduce energy consumption, we will reduce the overall cost of energy and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions associated with meeting customer demand for energy.”

The rebate program is funded through a portion of customer rates designed to encourage conservation and result in overall energy savings.

The energy efficiency programs are expected to reduce Pepco’s electric load and environmental impact by conserving an estimated 165,000 megawatt-hours of energy over the next three years. This would result in avoiding almost 117,000 metric tons of carbon emissions, which is equivalent to removing more than 207,000 cars from the road a year, according to figures from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Pepco has continuously promoted energy conservation and efficiency and a recent ruling by the District Public Service Commission to remove the link between electricity use and utility revenue enables Pepco to even more aggressively promote energy efficiency programs. In addition to the rebates, this will result in a slight decrease in District residential distribution rates effective November 1. The Maryland Public Service Commission has enacted a similar order to “decouple” electric use from revenue.

Pepco began offering discounts on Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs) in the District earlier this year. In Maryland, customers have purchased over 2.3 million of these energy-saving bulbs at discounted prices since the program began in 2007.

Reduced energy consumption lessens the need to build new power plants and reduces current power plant emissions, which helps the environment and contributes to states’ goals to reduce per capita energy consumption.

The appliance rebate program is available only to Pepco customers who must include their account number on applications that can be obtained from some retailers in the stores or online at pepco.com. To obtain a rebate, customers need only provide their Pepco account number and proof of purchase for a qualifying product after September 15, and mail a fully completed rebate application to the address on the application. Rebates are as follows:

$50 Refrigerator Rebate: Receive a $50 rebate for purchasing an ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator that can reduce your annual utility costs by up to $200. Limit of one rebate per customer.


$25 Room A/C Rebate: ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioners use at least 10 percent less energy than conventional models. Receive a $25 rebate for purchasing an ENERGY STAR unit. Limit of five rebates per customer.

$20 Water Heater Rebate: Purchase an electric water heater with an Energy Factor of 0.93 or greater and receive a $20 rebate. Electric water heaters are not ENERGY STAR qualified. However, this rebate is offered for the most efficient models because energy efficient electric water heaters can reduce your costs to heat water. Customers should look for units with the greatest energy factor. Limit of one rebate per customer.

####

Pepco, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM), delivers safe, reliable and affordable electric service to more than 750,000 customers in Maryland and the District of Columbia.

»»  read more

Upcoming Programs at The Gilchrist Center

The Charles W. Gilchrist Center for Cultural Diversity in Wheaton is offering different programs in the upcoming months. The Gilchrist Center, located at 11319 Elkin St, provides activities and services to the County's diverse community, and functions as a central point of contact for residents to County and other community services. The programs listed below are for adults (18 and older), and are free of charge (unless noted).

Money Matters

A series of financial management workshops & one-on-one counseling with financial experts.

1. Credit/Borrowing Basics

Workshop: October 15, 6-7 p.m.
Counseling: October 22, 6-7 p.m.

2. Home Ownership Assistance

Workshop: October 29, 6-7 p.m.
Counseling: November 5, 6-7 p.m.

To register for workshops, please call 240-777-4940. Taught by Gilchrist Center Volunteers.

Citizenship Preparation

Over 55? Prepare for U.S. Citizenship! This program is run Saturdays, October 3 through December 19, from 11:30a.m.-2:30p.m.

For more information, call (410) 580-2756. Presented by Baltimore City Community College.

Pro Bono Legal Clinic

Obtain free legal advice on civil cases. Participants must be Montgomery County residents. Intake starts at 5:30 p.m. First-come, first-served, until full. These clinics are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, 5:30-8:30p.m.

For more information, call 301-424-7651 (Extension 52/53). Presented by the Montgomery County Bar Foundation.
»»  read more

Temporada De La Vacuna Contra la Influenza (Gripe)


El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos del Condado de Montgomery patrocinan la temporada de la vacuna contra la Influenza (Gripe) el Sábado 31 de Octubre de 10 a.m. hasta las 2 p.m. en el Silver Spring Health Center que está situado en 8630 Fenton Street (10th piso). Vacunas gratuitas para niños, y el precio por cada Vacuna Contra la Influencia y Aerosol para la Influenza cuestan $20. Se aceptan cheques personales y dinero en efectivo, y tambien se acepta el seguro de Medicare (Favor de traer la tarjeta consigo).

No necesita hacer cita.
»»  read more

Seasonal Flu Clinic


The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is sponsoring a seasonal flu clinic on Saturday, October 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Silver Spring Health Center, located at 8630 Fenton St (10th Floor). Vaccines for children are free, and the cost for a flu shot/mist for adults is $20. Personal checks and cash are accepted, as well as Medicare (bring your Medicare card with you). In addition to the flu shot/mist, the pneumonia vaccine will be offered for $30.

There is no appointment necessary. These vaccinations will be offered on a first-come first-served basis, so get there early!

For more
information, please call (240) 777-
3160.
»»  read more

Montgomery County Seeks Applicants For Merit System Protection Board

Neil H. Greenberger

Legislative Information Officer

Montgomery County Council

240-777-7939

FOR INFORMATION: Justina Ferber, 240-777-7938 or 240-777-7900

justina.ferber@montgomerycountymd.gov

Montgomery County Seeks Applicants

For Merit System Protection Board

Applications Will Be Accepted Through Wednesday, Nov. 4, For Appointment to Three-Year Term That Begins in December

ROCKVILLE, Md., October 13, 2009—The Montgomery County Council is accepting applications from qualified voters of the County for appointment to a three-year term on the Merit System Protection Board. Generally, the board is expected to oversee the Merit System and to protect employee and applicant rights guaranteed under the County Merit System.

Applications must be received in the Council office by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

The term of board member Bruce E. Wood (Democrat) will expire in December 2009. Mr. Wood has served one full term and has indicated that he will apply for reappointment.

The appointee to this term may be a Democrat, Republican or someone who declines to affiliate with a party. In addition, the appointee may be a member of another party officially recognized by the Board of Elections. By law, no more than two of the three members of the Merit System Protection Board may be of the same political party. Current board members in addition to Mr. Wood are Rodella Berry (Democrat) and Charla Lambertsen (declined to affiliate).

The County Merit System Protection Board's mission is to oversee the Merit System for the protection of employee's and applicant's rights guaranteed under the Merit System. There are two methods in which the board processes appeals:

· A written decision issued after a review and discussion of a written record

· A written decision issued after a pre-hearing conference and a formal hearing in cases involving a suspension, demotion or dismissal

The board, on a periodic basis, conducts special studies, audits or inquiries of the administration of the merit and retirement pay systems and, in this effort, may compel the attendance of witnesses. Written reports of its findings and recommendations are filed with the County Executive and the County Council. The board also provides comments on any proposed changes in Merit System law or regulations.

The board holds hearings during the day, which can take the full day or be scheduled for the evening. Also, the board normally meets for approximately four hours in the evening once every two weeks. Additional time is also required for preparatory work. Members of thr board receive $7,448, which is adjusted annually to reflect 50 percent of the percentage change in the Washington Area Consumer Price Index.

Board members are restricted in political activity while serving. Section 403 of the County Charter states in part "... No member shall hold political office or participate in any campaign for any political or public office during the member's term of office." Members of County boards, committees and commissions may not serve on more than one such group at a time.

Letters of application are made public as part of the appointment process. Letters expressing interest, including a resume listing professional and civic experience, should be addressed to: Council President Phil Andrews, Montgomery County Council, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850.

For more information on the Merit System Protection Board appointment, call 240-777-7938 or 240-777-7900.

»»  read more

October 9, 2009

Washington Post Magazine interviews Nancy Navarro


Nancy Navarro answers questions on The Washington Post Magazine

Photo by Mark Gail Washington Post Magazine
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Photo Of The Week: Kennedy High School Senior Banner


By: Jonathan Jayes Green
Kennedy High School Senior

The Kennedy High School Senior Class came together to showcase their talent by creating a large banner to compete against their classmates during Spirit Week. Spirit Week is celebrated throughout the fall by high schools in preparation for their respective homecoming games. Kennedy High School will compete against Blake High School - both located in District 4.

Reminder: Submit your photos to councilmember.navarro@montgomerycountymd.gov for consideration. Names may be withheld upon request of the photographer. Please provide a brief description of the photo.
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Washington Post Article on Alexis Reed

"There are 12,749 government employees in Montgomery County, and if you live in a broad swath east of Rockville and north of Silver Spring, Reed is the one you call for the constituent grunt work. Her boss, County Council member Nancy Navarro (D-Eastern County), calls her the 'social worker for District 4.'" Click here to read more from Michael Laris' Washington Post article.


Photo by Melina Mara -- The Washington Post
»»  read more

October 8, 2009

FBI office in Baltimore looking for missing Olney girl

The FBI's Office in Baltimore is looking for an Olney teenager reported missing Thursday.

Jordan Elise Bouey, 13, of Rushbrook Drive was last seen about 12:45 a.m. at Union Station in Washington, D.C., according to the FBI. She is described as white, 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 130 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair.


Anyone with information on the teen's whereabouts is asked to call the FBI at 410-265-8080 or 911.
»»  read more

Reverse Mortage Could become a Fiasco for Senior Citizens

“Senior households may become the next group of consumers harmed by irresponsible marketing and selling practices according to a report released by a major consumer organization released yesterday.” - David Lereah, Real Estate Economy Watch

Read the complete article here.



»»  read more

Letter To County Exec. Regarding Wheaton Library


DATE: October 5, 2009

TO: Isiah Leggett, County Executive

FROM: Nancy Navarro, Montgomery County Council District 4

SUBJECT: Proposed Wheaton Library

As you are aware from past meetings with members of the community, the residents I represent near Wheaton Regional Library are strongly opposed to the relocation of the library to downtown Wheaton.

Though I fully support and encourage the revitalization of the Wheaton business district, after hearing the arguments both for and against relocating the library, I am writing to affirm our commitment to ensuring Wheaton Library remains in its current location.

The Library services a diverse population of youths, seniors, immigrants and families both within adjoining communities and throughout Montgomery County. Furthermore, the current location is convenient for residents not only because of its access for disabled residents, but also because parking is currently ample, free, and without the concerns about misuse that plague libraries in business districts.

This is an extremely important point, given that during these challenging financial times, many residents use our public libraries not just for reading material, but also for internet access, job searches, County services and programming, and as a safe place for our children to spend time.

I hope that you will join me in ensuring that Wheaton Regional Library will remain in its present location and in reassuring residents that this matter has been put to rest.

I would appreciate a response by the close of business on Friday, October 9th.

Thank you.
For more information, please visit Save Wheaton Library
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October 7, 2009

SHA Announces Work On Georgia Ave. And Randolph Road

















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Community Service Day, October 24th

Community Service Day is a day set aside for Montgomery County's community members to come together to volunteer and make a difference in our community.

Save the Trees!


Maydale Nature Center Park. 9:30 AM – 12 Noon


Meet at 9:30 AM in the parking lot to Maydale Nature Center – 1638 Maydale Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20905. Rain or shine! Bring gloves, pruners, saws and lopper or borrow ours.


Maydale Nature Center is an oasis tucked into a community that truly loves their park!! The park offers a wonderful small fishing pond, wetlands, pristine Paint Branch Stream Valley, and deciduous and pine forests – all within 14 acres!! Unfortunately, the park’s native trees and plants are threatened by invasive plants. Come join Councilwoman Nancy Navarro and Montgomery County Park Rangers as we manually remove the invasive plants and save the trees!! Be part of the great community effort to save the trees of Maydale!


For more information contact: Lynette.Scaffidi@montgomeryparks.org or 301-949-0223
»»  read more

County Sponsors First H1N1 Vaccination Clinic Friday, October 9th

Montgomery County Health and Human Services will offer its first H1N1 vaccination clinic on Friday, October 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Dennis Avenue Health Center, 2000 Dennis Avenue in Silver Spring.

The County has received 2500 doses of the intranasal H1N1 vaccine (nasal spray), which will offered at this clinic. The County expects to receive injectable flu vaccine (flu shots) in the next several weeks. There will continue to be deliveries of both types of flu vaccine in the coming weeks and months.

The nasal spray form of the vaccine contains a live-but-weakened form of the H1N1 influenza virus. It is licensed for the vaccination of healthy individuals between the ages of two and 49. However, it is not licensed for use in pregnant women or children and adults with chronic illnesses. Health officials expect to begin receiving injectable vaccine shortly.

This clinic will be focused on the following priority groups:
· Healthy children from ages two to 18
· Healthy adults up to age 49 who are caretakers of infants younger than six months of age, and
· Healthy health care workers up to age 49.
The intranasal flu vaccine may NOT be given to:
· Pregnant women
· Children or adults with chronic illnesses such as asthma and diabetes

If adults or children received the FluMist form of the seasonal flu vaccination, they must wait 28 days before receiving the intranasal H1N1 vaccine. If the seasonal flu vaccine was given in injectable form (flu shot), there is NO waiting period.

Health officials recommend that everyone consider receiving an H1N1 vaccination when ample supplies become available at a later date.

In addition to local health departments, retail locations and some private physicians will be receiving the H1N1 vaccine as well.

For updated information, check the County’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/h1n1flu or call the flu hotline at 240-777-4200. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Maryland Homeowners' Property Tax Credit program


As you encounter people at work and at home who may be eligible for the Maryland Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit program, please let them know that the deadline has been extended to November 2. The program gives eligible homeowners a credit against their property tax bill if the property taxes exceed a fixed percentage of their household income. In other words, it sets a limit on the amount of property taxes any homeowner must pay based upon his or her income. Eligibility guidelines include:


· Having an annual household income of about $64,000 or less; and

· Owning and living in the home as a principal residence for at least six months of the year.


Applications are available from the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation
(SDAT) by calling 1-800-944-7403, or going to www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/htc.html and downloading the form.
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