Thursday, July 13, 2023

MCDOT's Transportation Newsletter - Go Montgomery! Newsletter is Now Available for July 2023


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RIDE ON NEWS

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MCDOT Launches Ride On Trip Planner App

On Wednesday, July 5, MCDOT announced the launch of a new Ride On Trip Planner app, making navigation of the Ride On bus service easier and more convenient. The app was created in partnership with Moovit, a mobility and journey provider app. Riders can download the app from the Google Play or Apple app store and a web-based version is available online here

The new Ride On Trip Planner app allows for trip planning across multiple modes including Ride On buses, Metrorail and Metrobuses, scooters and Bikeshare. Additionally, the app will give live reports on Ride On bus wait times and ridership levels by utilizing a crowdsourcing information feature.


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MCDOT’s ‘Courtesy Stop’ Program Allows Late Night Bus Riders to Request Drop-Offs Between Stops for Safety

As of Sunday, July 2, Montgomery County Ride On bus riders can request to be dropped off between stops when traveling late at night. Ride On buses are offering the “Courtesy Stop” program to allow bus riders more options to get to their destination safely and easily when traveling after dark. Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metrobuses started the program on Sunday, June 25.

Available after 9 p.m., the Courtesy Stop program will let riders request to be dropped off at any point along the regular bus route, in addition to designated bus stops. Learn more here.


MCDOT ANNOUNCEMENTS

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MCDOT Wins Regional ‘Commuter Connections’ Award

MCDOT’s Commuter Services Section was recognized by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ (COG) Commuter Connections Network with a 2023 Employer Services Sales Team Achievement Award for its outstanding work in creating and promoting commuter alternative programs.

  • The MCDOT Commuter Services Section works with employers in the County to encourage commuter programs that are focused on reducing single-occupancy drivers and offering alternatives. While businesses are responsible for implementing the programs, MCDOT helps in program design, promotion and employee participation.

  • Abt Associates, located in Rockville, is one of the employers which Commuter Services works with who won the Telework Award in recognition of their extensive remote work system, which led to a reduction of 1,720,330 vehicle miles of travel (VMT) and an annual savings of more than 78,000 gallons of gasoline.

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MCDOT Wins National Recognition Award for Engineering Excellence for 355 Crossing Project in Bethesda

MCDOT and Alpha Corporation have won a National Recognition Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies for their work on the MD 355 Crossing Project completed in February 2022.

The project, which took roughly five years to complete, was engineered and built to enhance pedestrian/bicyclist safety between the west and east sides of Rockville Pike (MD 355) in Bethesda. It increased the capacity of and improved access to the Medical Center Metrorail Station and the parallel kiss-and-ride served by Ride On, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and the National Institutes of Health.

Pre-COVID-19 numbers indicate that Medical Center Metro Station accommodated around 11,000 Metro riders daily. More than 7,000 pedestrians cross MD 355 to get to the Metro stop, Ride On and the shared-use path on the west side.


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Did You See MCDOT’s ‘Ride with Pride' Bus Last Month?

MCDOT unveiled the “Ride with Pride” themed Ride On bus to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and its allies during June, which is recognized as Pride Month. Wrapped with the Intersex Progress Pride Flag, adorned with “Ride with Pride” messaging and neon lights to stand out at night, the Ride On bus was dedicated to the uplifting of LGBTQ+ voices, culture and civil rights.

In addition to the Pride Bus, each MCDOT Ride On bus had internal #RidewithPride poster displays with a QR code directing riders to a web page with information about the historical and cultural significance of Pride Month.


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Virtual Public Hearing on the Proposed Abandonment (AB 781) of a Public Right of Way Along Frederick Road (MD 355) in Clarksburg to be Held on Thursday, July 13

Starting at 2 p.m., MCDOT will hold a virtual public hearing on the proposed abandonment of a portion of public right of way along Frederick Road in Clarksburg.

The property was previously acquired from the Potomac Edison Company in connection with the Frederick Road Bike Path project (CIP # 501118). However, the bike path's design was modified, resulting in a realignment of the bike path and drainage facilities across from the Potomac Edison property. The public has until Monday, July 28 5 p.m. to provide comments. Comments will become a matter of public record. Learn more here.


MCDOT IN THE NEWS

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Montgomery County is Featured in FTA’s New “Investing in the Future of Transit Buses” Video

In this video, FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez highlights how Montgomery County in Maryland, with FTA support, is transitioning to a clean and green bus program powered by the sun.

MCDOT has received more than $20 million in grants from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez visited the Ride On Brookeville, Silver Spring Depot to feature our Zero-emission buses and Smart Energy Microgrid bus charging infrastructure in an informational video. The video highlights how, with the support of the FTA, we are transitioning to a clean and green bus program powered by solar microgrid technologies. MCDOT has 14 Ride On electric buses in service with 60 more on the way.

The Zero-emission bus grants include millions of dollars in funding for workforce programs. The grants are part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, which is rebuilding our nation's infrastructure from the bottom up and middle out with good paying jobs that grow the American economy by creating a manufacturing and innovation boom.  

Watch the video here.


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Back on the Bus: Montgomery County Sees Bump in Ride On Numbers

According to MCDOT Director Chris Conklin, ridership is at 80% of pre-pandemic levels, with Ride On service carrying 55,000 people per day. Read the WTOP article here


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Poop-Powered Ride On Buses Coming by the End of 2024

WSSC Water signs a five-year contract with county to provide renewable natural gas for vehicles. Read the MoCo360 article here.

DGS has signed a contract for Equipment Maintenance & Transit Operation Center’s Smart Energy Depot as the design continues. This microgrid project will provide resilient electrical power to the transit fleet which will be comprised of both electrical battery buses and hydrogen fuel cell buses.

See what else MCDOT and other departments are doing by viewing the Montgomery County Climate Action Plan Progress Report here.


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Ride On Food Drive Donations Surpass Last Year’s Tally

Last month’s Ride On Food Drive collected 2,309 pounds of non-perishable food, which is 12% more than last year. Read the MYMCMEDIA article here.


PARKING NEWS

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Two Public Art Installations on MCDOT-operated Public Parking Garage Unveiled in Downtown Bethesda

MCDOT and Federal Realty Investment Trust unveiled two new public art installations on a County-operated public parking garage in downtown Bethesda on Thursday, June 22.

MCDOT worked with Federal Realty, which commissioned the large murals by artist Andrea Cobb of Durham, N.C. They are located at the entrances of MCDOT’s Public Garage 57 on Elm Street and Bethesda Avenue in Bethesda Row.

MCDOT has a history of making parking facilities available for works of art. A mural was painted on the side of the County Parking Garage at 7661 Old Georgetown Road last year. The 8216 Woodmont Garage was painted in 2020. Both were commissioned through the “Paint the Town” program, a partnership with the Bethesda Urban Partnership.


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New Saturday Parking Hours for County-Operated Garages, Parking Lots and Meters in Downtown Bethesda and Silver Spring Started on Saturday, July 8

The Saturday hours and rates will be the same as the existing weekday schedules. Sundays will remain free. 

Parking revenue will be used to implement new safety and security measures in public parking facilities. Learn more here.


COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

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Attention Residents 50+, Get Comfortable with Traveling on Public Transit with a Free Travel Training Workshop on Wednesday, August 9

Ride Smart Travel Training is a free half-day workshop from JCA Connect-A-Ride program designed to help Montgomery County residents aged 50+ gain confidence taking Metrorail and other public transportation. Participants learn how to read the Metro map, understand digital schedule signs, load a fare card, and quickly find a station’s emergency and accessibility features. Travel Training includes classroom training; a trip on a Ride On bus; a visit to a Metro station; and a roundtrip train ride. 

The class will be held at the Rockville Senior Center located at 1150 Carnation Drive. Advance registration is required. No Walk-ins are allowed. Call 301-738-3252 or email connectaride@accessjca.org to learn more and register. 


THIS WEEKEND:

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MCDOT Participates in Touch a Truck Day at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda on Saturday, July 15

The community event will have a large variety of vehicles including Ride On buses, Police cars and a Fire truck for kids to tour, along with a Live DJ, face painters, and a magic show. Select mall shops will be joining with activities, giveaways, games, samples and coupons.

Between 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. stop by the mall’s food court parking lot (7101 Democracy Blvd.)  to tour Ride On buses that will be parked near the Cheesecake Factory and meet Ride On staff that will have a table full of giveaways and information on all bus services, including the Ride On Trip Planner appLift program and Ride On’s Courtesy Bus Stop program. Follow the action at twitter.com/Rideonmct.


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Ride On Transit Advisory Group (TAG) is Recruiting Riders With Disabilities,  Bilingual Adults and High School Students

Ride On is seeking applications from high school students, riders with disabilities and bilingual adults who wish to be selected as a TAG member

TAG members receive monthly updates on Ride On events and news and meet with Ride On management staff three times a year so they can voice their opinions and give feedback on Ride On bus services. Students can earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours.

Interested individuals are asked to send an email to rideon.customerservice@montgomerycountymd.gov with their name, telephone number, city, category (i.e. disabled, high school student, or bilingual speaker) and the reason they would like to join.


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It’s a Wrap – MCDOT’s Adult Bike and Scooter Spring Classes Were a Success

MCDOT sponsored six adult bike classes and most sessions were sold out with 156 registrants. Most attendees were able to ride a bike by the end of the class. The classes offered residents an affordable way to include biking as another form of transportation.

Last month, MCDOT hosted the last of four e-scooter safety classes. Over 75 residents learned how to download the vendor apps to rent and operate an e-scooter and were able to take a test ride. They also learned about local e-scooter laws and general safety information. MCDOT has contracts with BirdLime, and Spin who operate within certain areas in Montgomery County and participated in one or more of the four training classes.

Additional bike and e-scooter safety classes will be offered later this year. Check the website or follow @MCDOTNow on social media for updates.


METRO & PARTNER NEWS

Ride With Metro to the MLS All-Star Game, Limited Edition MLS All-Star SmarTrip Cards Now Available

Metro is inviting fans from around the world to ride Metro to see the Major League Soccer All-Star Game. To commemorate the occasion, Metro is releasing a limited-edition MLS All-Star SmarTrip® card, ahead of the big game. Learn more here.

Parking at Metro is Easier Than Ever with Pay Stations and Mobile Payment Options

No more searching for spare change to pay at Metro parking meters. New centralized pay stations and ParkMobile® are now available at all of Metro’s Kiss & Ride and hourly lots and on-street parking spaces. On weekends, all Metro-owned parking facilities are free and with a $2 weekend flat fare for any one-way trip. Customers can also check to see if a garage is full, using real-time parking availability by visiting wmata.com/parking. Learn more here.

EV Owners Can Apply for High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Permit

Drivers of plug-in electric vehicles or qualified hybrid vehicles, titled and registered in Maryland, will be allowed to use the HOV lanes in Maryland (I270 and US50) regardless of the number of passengers, providing they obtain and display an HOV permit on the vehicle. The permit is valid through September 30, 2025. Apply on the MVA website or visit an MVA branch office. View qualifications and apply online here.

MD: Dan Rodricks: Challenging Drivers to Challenge Their Assumptions and Take a Bus Once in a While

Being a bus rider means, at least part of the time, being a pedestrian. But — and there’s almost always a “but” — while taking a bus is much safer than driving a car, the pedestrian part has become increasingly dangerous. Read the Mass Transit article here.

D.C. to Begin Sending Targeted Messages to High-Risk Drivers

The District government plans to launch a personalized messaging program next month that will send mailers and text messages to Washington-area motorists with a history of traffic violations and crashes.

The initiative, led by the D.C. Department of Transportation and The Lab @ D.C., will message drivers whom the city deems more likely to be involved in a crash, warning them to follow speed limits and pay attention to traffic signs. Learn more here.

After Crash That Killed Three, D.C. Bill Targets Dangerous Drivers

A proposal before the D.C. Council aims to give more enforcement power to city agencies to target repeat offenders, including drivers who accumulate fines for speeding and reckless driving. Learn more here.


IN THE NEWS

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Driving High Can Lead to a DUI

Have you seen cannabis ads on Ride On buses? On Saturday, July 1, Maryland legalized the recreational adult-use of cannabis in Maryland. Adults 21+ may legally purchase and possess cannabis. Learn more at cannabis.maryland.gov.

Driving under the influence of cannabis is not only illegal, it’s dangerous. Don’t risk your life or the lives of others on the road.

Using cannabis while driving (by a driver or passenger) and impaired driving remains illegal under Maryland law. Law enforcement officers can make a cannabis DUI arrest if they observe impairment using a standard field sobriety testing (roadside test) method. Let's keep Maryland safe and plan ahead before using cannabis. For more information, view this Cannabis and Driving Don't Mix fact sheet.


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Bikes Help Reduce the Cost of Living

Increasing access to low-cost modes of transportation like bikes—and safe places to ride them—effectively reduces this often-overlooked household expense and ensures communities remain affordable for everyone. Learn more here.


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NHTSA Estimates Traffic Fatalities Dropped in the First Three Months of 2023

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released its first projections for traffic fatalities in 2023, estimating that 9,330 people died in traffic crashes in the first three months of the year. This represents a decrease of about 3.3% as compared to 9,645 estimated fatalities during the same time in 2022. The first quarter of 2023 represents the fourth straight quarterly decline in fatalities after seven consecutive quarters of year-to-year increases in fatalities, beginning with the third quarter of 2020. Read the press release here.


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The Walkable Neighborhoods Americans Want May be Closer Than We Think

An increasing number of Americans would happily pay a premium to live within an easy walk or bike ride to the places they go most — and with a few tweaks, that dream could be an affordable reality for far more of them than policymakers realize, a pair of new studies suggest. Read the Streetsblog article here.


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This Mega-Map Shows How MARC's Extension to Newark Links Us to a Much Broader Region

MARC is finally proposing extending weekday service to Newark, Delaware, giving commuters and other travelers a chance to transfer between SEPTA and MARC for the first time ever and opening up through travel in a way that has never been possible before. Read the Greater Greater Washington article here.


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For more information on MCDOT projects and services, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot and subscribe to receive the latest MCDOT news to your mobile phone or email inbox. 

JULY 2023


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Follow @MCDOTNow on TwitterFacebook and Instagram


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Click the above calendar image to see what MCDOT is up to in July.


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Celebrate National Ice Cream Day, Sunday, July 16

Take the Ride On bus to get your scoop! Find a route near you here.


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Join Our Team!

  • Program Administration and Program Specialist II (IRC57680)
  • Capital Projects Manager (IRC57387)
  • Senior Engineer (IRC58960)
  • Program Manager I - Public Relations (IRC58958)
  • Engineer III/II/I - Fiber - Telecom (IRC57554)
  • Traffic Management Technician I/II (IRC58003)
  • Transportation Systems Technician I/II/III -Installation, Maintenance and Repair (IRC58678)
  • Leadership Services Manager III - Transportation Management Section (IRC57630)
  • Senior Planning Specialist (IRC58781)
  • Transportation Systems Technician I (IRC58559)

For details on the above job postings search the IRC number on Montgomery County's Career website here.


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MCDOT Participates in Hiring Event at Montgomery College’s Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus for Ethiopian Community

On Saturday, July 8, MCDOT had a table with information on job openings and Michael Paylor, MCDOT's Traffic Engineering and Operation's Division Chief had a chance to speak about the department services and it's different divisions and what they do.

Montgomery County offers many benefits which include paid Commercial Driver's License training and more.

Scan the QR Code below to learn more.

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ROAD & SAFETY NEWS

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MCDOT Completes Street Sweeping

MCDOT’s annual Street Sweeping Program began on Monday, April 10 sweeping over 4,100 lane miles of residential roadways and intersections in Montgomery County. Sweeping routes were prioritized based on their proximity to sensitive watershed areas that are identified by the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection. This effort promotes the health of our local watersheds and the Chesapeake Bay.

For questions regarding street sweeping please contact MC311 by calling 311 within the County or 240-777-0311.


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MCDOT Installs New Traffic Signal in Silver Spring

The new traffic signal is at the intersection of Briggs Chaney Road and Robey Road. The signal was put on a 72 Hour Flash on Tuesday, July 11 to provide motorists advance notification and will be activated on full color operation on Friday, July 14.


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MCDOT Completes East Jefferson Street Road Resurfacing Project in Rockville

View the project newsletter here.


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Democracy Boulevard and Fernwood Road Intersection Traffic Signal Reconstruction Project in Bethesda

MCDOT will reconstruct the existing traffic signal to include new mast arms, new LED vehicular signals with backplates, accessible pedestrian signals and countdown pedestrian signals (APS/CPS) and Americans with Disabilities Act- (ADA) compliant pedestrian sidewalk ramps.

As part of the traffic signal reconstruction, the project also includes widening along Fernwood Road to provide an additional left-turn lane in the northbound direction. Other geometric changes planned as part of this project that are anticipated to enhance pedestrian safety at the intersection, include the removal of free-right turns in the northbound, southbound, and eastbound directions. 

Additionally, the westbound free-right turn will be modified using a mountable curb to reduce pedestrian crossing distances and slow vehicular speeds. MCDOT anticipates the start of construction in August and project completion in spring 2024. For questions contact Kamal Hamud at trafficops@
montgomerycountymd.gov
 or 240-777-2190.


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View MCDOT Safety Projects Underway in Your Neighborhood

Use Vision Zero’s interactive project map to see completed or scheduled safety projects related to the Vision Zero initiative. See what safety projects MCDOT has done at intersections that include the installation of HAWK, Rectangular Rapid Flashing and Pedestrian Hybrid beacons, traffic calming and signal work.


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Adopt A Road Program Receives 100 New Participants 

Thank You to everyone who signed up to help keep Montgomery County roads litter free! If you're interested in volunteering, learn more here.


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MCDOT Welcomes Abuelina to Vision Zero / Pedestrian Safety 

After her successful campaign to keep our community safe from COVID-19, Abuelina and her family are joining MCDOT's pedestrian safety team! Under the theme, "Lessons from Abuelina" her first campaign is to talk to the community about safely walking, biking, and driving through MCDOT's newly installed Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs) around the county. The initial wave this month includes pop-up events at PHBs and social media posts.

Learn more about this bilingual campaign here.


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Protect Yourself and Loved Ones by Addressing Roadway Risks

The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates more than 46,000 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2022. That is an increase of nearly 22% from 2019. Our roadways are more dangerous than they've been in 17 years and continue to pose some of the biggest risks we face each day, whether we are driving, riding or simply walking across the street.

NSC offers these tips for safer travels:

  • Prepare before you go.
  • Drive distraction-free.
  • Slow down.
  • Designate a sober driver or arrange alternate transportation.
  • Avoid fatigued driving.
  • Buckle up.
  • Protect vulnerable passengers.
  • Look before you lock.
  • Understand your vehicle’s on-board safety systems.
  • Take an alternate path.
  • Watch for all road users.

MCDOT IS GETTING AROUND

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Ride On Participates in Fourth of July Parade

Did you see MCDOT's electric Ride On bus at the Takoma Park Fourth of July parade?

Photograph by Darrell J. Smith.


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MCDOT Pedestrian Safety Outreach at Giant Food in Rockville on Monday, July 17

Between 4-8 p.m., MCDOT’s Pedestrian Safety team will have a table set up outside the Giant Food grocery store located at 9710 Traville Gateway Drive to promote pedestrian and bike safety to shoppers.

Stop by for a chance to win giveaways and receive safety materials.  


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MCDOT Ride On to Host Customer Appreciation Day at the Glenmont Metro Station on Tuesday, July 25

Ride On staff will be greeting riders between 4:30-6:30 p.m. to thank them and collect feedback on MCDOT's bus service. Tee shirts and other items will be distributed. 


LOCAL HAPPENINGS

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Looking for Something to do on Friday Evenings?

Use the new Ride On Trip Planner App to get to the FREE TGIF Summer Concert Series in Wheaton at Marian Fryer Town Plaza (2424 Reedie Drive) every Friday at 5 p.m. for live music, cocktails and artist demonstrations. Ride On bus fare is only $1. Download the app at tinyurl.com/yv9yzs8c.


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Senior Connection Provides Transportation for Residents Aged 60+

Montgomery County residents aged 60+ can receive rides and assistance getting groceries through Senior Connection, a local non-profit that provides an array of free services to Montgomery County residents aged 60+. For more information, call 301-962-0820, visit seniorconnectionmc.org or email susan.girard@
seniorconnectionmc.org
.


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