Back to School Safety Tips For Parents & Children

It’s that time of year; summer has ended and children are headed back for another year of school. To ensure every child’s safety, please remember and practice the following important tips:

Don’t drive distracted. Put aside the electronic devices and fully focus on driving. Reading or sending any communication with your smart phone, even while stopped, is very dangerous and will earn you a citation.
Don’t drive distracted. Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while reading or sending a text. When traveling at 55mph, that’s enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded. (www.distraction.gov)
Don’t drive distracted. Don’t let anything divert your attention and scan the road ahead for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Failure to stop for a stopped school bus with flashing red lights carries a $570 fine and three points. Village officers will be increasing patrol of school bus stops to catch violators.
If you witness an unsafe driver in the Village, note the tag number and report it to the Village Police Department.

Montgomery County Department of Transportation's ‘Bicycle Swag Bag Contest’ Returns Aug. 22-Sept. 26 in Leadup to Car Free Day

To build attention to the annual international “Car Free Day” that will be held on Sept. 22 and to encourage the use of alternate modes of transportation, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will return its “Bicycle Swag Bag Contest” from Sunday, Aug. 22, through Sunday, Sept. 26. During the event, bike riders can submit a picture of themselves riding along a bike path or trail in Montgomery County to be entered into a weekly drawing.

The Swag Bag Contest requires participants to submit photos of themselves and their bikes at any bike path, trail entrance sign or anywhere along the path. Entrants need to post a photo and tag @mococommuter on Twitter or Instagram, along with the hashtag #MoCoBikes, to be entered into that week's drawing for a prize. Entrants also can email a photo to commuter.services@montgomercountymd.gov.

Prize drawings will be held on Monday mornings following each week and winners will be notified via direct message on their Twitter or Instagram account or via email (if an email entry was submitted). A consent form will be sent and a prize will be mailed to the address provided. By entering, participants grant MCDOT permission to publish photos on its social media accounts.

“This is a great way to get residents thinking about alternative transportation options,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “We have one of the nation’s most aggressive climate action plans and programs such as this one help move us in the right direction. I want to encourage residents to try bicycling for commuting, exercise and to get around Montgomery County.”

Participants must be at least 18 years old, Montgomery County residents or employees of a company located in the County. Only one photo entry per person is allowed weekly.
"Using more sustainable ways to get around helps reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions is a way for our residents to get more exercise, helping us become a healthier community in many ways" said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. "This is a fun way to encourage people go on a bike ride."

The contest leads up to Car Free Day, a worldwide event that encourages greener methods of travel, including biking. Residents can take the Car Free Day pledge online by Sept. 22. Separate from the swag bag contest, everyone who takes the car fee pledge will be entered for a chance to win raffle prizes.

When appropriate, bike riders are asked to practice safe social distancing and wear face coverings. Helmets should always be worn while riding.

Follow MCDOT on Twitter and Instagram. For more information on MCDOT’s programs visit, https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot and subscribe to MCDOT’s ‘Go Montgomery!’ newsletter.

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Media Contact: Emily DeTitta, 240-372-2282 or emily.detitta@montgomerycountymd.gov

Amended Protocols for Entering the Village Hall

On Thursday, August 5, the Montgomery County Council, sitting as the Board of Health, approved a health regulation to re-institute mask/face covering requirements in all indoor public facilities in the county, which went into effect 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, August 7. This change followed Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance, which recommends masks/face coverings for all individuals—regardless of vaccination status—in areas that meet the threshold for “substantial or high transmission” (see Guidance for Implementing COVID-19 Prevention Strategies in the Context of Varying Community Transmission Levels and Vaccination Coverage | MMWR (cdc.gov)).

The below protocols for access to the Village Hall have been updated accordingly:

The Village is following the county’s guidance, which has opened government buildings with no access or social distancing requirements; however, ALL individuals entering indoor public spaces, including the Village Hall, are required to wear a mask/face covering per the Montgomery County Health Regulation that went into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, August 7, 2021.
Private rentals have resumed at full capacity, as well as classes and organizational activities. All attendees and participants are required to wear a mask/face covering.
Some administrative personnel are continuing to work a hybrid schedule to leverage opportunities for focused, uninterrupted work time and on days when working partial days to avoid unnecessary commuting time. Residents are encouraged to call/email administrative personnel to ensure the staffer they seek is on-site.
We continue to require online submission of all permit applications and electronic processing of all permits and plan reviews.

Marylanders Can Receive a Digital Version of their COVID-19 and Other Vaccination Records

Marylanders who were vaccinated in the state can now receive a digital copy of their vaccination record on the website ImmuNet. This website makes it easier for those who have misplaced their COVID-19 vaccine records.

The website is free and secure to use and is used by healthcare providers in the state to maintain the vaccination records of Marylanders of all ages. Records for people who received their vaccination outside of the state are not included on the website.

To receive your vaccination records on the website, you’ll have to register and follow the directions to confirm your identity and then link your official vaccine records with your account. If your vaccination records appear incorrect, you should contact your healthcare provider.

The CDC does not currently have a database with COVID-19 vaccination records.

-Article courtesy of Montgomery Community Media

Farmers Market in Friendship Heights

Open Year-Round;
Within Walking Distance to the Village

Twin Springs Fruit Farm holds a fruit market in Friendship Heights year-round on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 4433 South Park Avenue (adjacent to the Friendship Heights Village Center). The market offers a variety of fruits, berries and vegetables based on their seasonal peak availability.

For more information regarding Twin Springs Farm and the market, visit: https://www.twinspringsfruitfarm.com/

"Right of Way" Maintenance Outside Your Fenced Yard

Residents are reminded that they are responsible for maintaining the right of way outside of their fenced yards abutting Village streets. This includes the tree box (the area between the curb and public sidewalk) and between the front property line and the curb (when there is no public sidewalk). In cases where there is fencing abutting the roadway, residents are responsible for maintenance of the area outside the fencing.

We have seen an increase in shaggy unkempt areas outside of residents’ fenced yards.
Please be considerate and follow the Village regulations by maintaining that area.

Local Goods Donation Organizations

Looking to donate used items for general reuse or for use by those in need?
Looking to safely discard old papers?

Click on the below link to access a list of organizations accepting used items along with an organization that provides free paper shredding, year-round.

https://www.chevychasevillagemd.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=921

Please refer to the listed organizations’ websites for changes in collection days/times and operations.

Updated: 7/2/2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

County and State Clinics Remain Available for Unvaccinated Individuals

COVID-19 vaccinations remain available across the state and county. Click on the below links for current information:

Montgomery County: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/vaccine/

State of Maryland: Visit covidvax.maryland.gov or call the state’s COVID-19 Vaccination Support Center at 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829).

Retail pharmacies are also providing vaccinations at locations across the state. To access scheduling information through the state’s website (search by zip code), visit:

https://maryland.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/nearby/index.html?appid=0dbfb100676346ed9758be319ab3f40c

Support the Nearby Farmer's Market in Section 3

Bring cash or a check for the “$5 for Food” Donation Drive Benefiting the
Capital Area Food Bank

The Farmers Market in Section 3 is open through the winter until the third week in March. Located at Taylor St. and Brookville Rd. with ample parking at La Ferme restaurant, the market features organic products sold in a COVID-compliant manner. Patrons must wear a mask, bring their own bag and pay by credit/debit card. The market is open on Saturdays from 9-9:30 a.m. for seniors and other vulnerable individuals and opens for all patrons from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (rain or shine).

Click on the below link for more details:

https://www.chevychasevillagemd.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=905

Reminder to Work with Landscapers to Operate Blowers Legally;
Ban on Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers goes into effect January 1, 2022

A ban on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers will go into effect on January 1, 2022. The Village Board approved the ban in December 2019 citing the adverse environmental, human health (principally for the equipment operator) and quality of life impacts resulting from the use of gas-powered leaf blowers. These impacts were highlighted in a report from the Village Environment & Energy Committee, dated August 15, 2019, which can be viewed on the committee’s page on the Village website.

Village staff have created and begun circulating a handout to communicate the effective date of this ban to yard maintenance contractors who work in the Village. If you would like your landscaper/yard maintenance contractor to receive this handout, please email your contractor’s information to
ccvpermitting@montgomerycountymd.gov.

In the interim, residents and landscapers are reminded that all blowers operated within the Village remain subject to Montgomery County’s Noise Ordinance. The county’s Noise Ordinance states that “a person must not...use a leaf blower at any time that has an average sound level exceeding 70 dBA at a distance of 50 feet.” Additionally, the simultaneous use of multiple leaf blowers that are compliant with the 70 bDA limit can create noise of a sufficient level to qualify as a violation and/or noise disturbance.

If a blower seems loud, it may be in violation. Residents are encouraged to report blowers that are suspected to be in violation to the Village Communications Center to allow staff to follow-up with the contractor and property owner. First time confirmed violators will receive a warning and guidance for operating legally.

Residents are responsible for discussing these restrictions with your yard maintenance crews before they begin working this spring.

To view the county’s leaf blower notice, visit: https://www.chevychasevillagemd.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=912

To review the Montgomery County Noise Ordinance and the provisions pertaining to leaf blowers (Section 31B-9), visit: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dep/resources/files/downloads/compliance/noise-control-ordinance.pdf.

Chevy Chase At Home

An Aging-in-Place Village

Do you know that there’s an organization in your neighborhood that helps seniors remain in their own homes safely when they need help doing so? Chevy Chase At Home is a group of neighbors helping neighbors. Volunteers bring needed support to members with a smile.

CC@H offers a rich program of affinity groups, continuing education, socialization, and exercise – many via Zoom, which actually makes it easier for many to participate.

Please consider whether you, a family member, a friend or neighbor might benefit from the help and sense of community that Chevy Chase At Home can provide. We welcome members and volunteers. Visit https://www.chevychaseathome.org/ for more information and applications.

Join The Compost Crew Today!

The food-waste collection program in Chevy Chase Village continues to grow as the community looks for more ways to be conscientious consumers. Currently, over 80 Village households are recycling their food-waste with Compost Crew. As a result of increased participation, the price per household for Compost Crew’s convenient food-waste collection is $16 per month for the standard size bin--a 20% savings from the previous cost. The monthly cost for the larger 12-gallon bins is $20/month.

To sign up for collection services, or if you have any questions about the program, please feel free to contact info@compostcrew.com or visit their website via the link below.

The Compost Crew Website

Join the Village Listserv on Groups.io

CCVillage (CCVillage@Groups.io), is the neighborhood mailing list (listserv) for residents of Chevy Chase Village. As residents continue to practice social distancing, CCVillage is a resource to allow neighbors to stay connected with one another other. For more information and to join, visit:

https://www.chevychasevillagemd.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=806

Are You Prepared?

It is important to be prepared for local weather emergencies. In order the assist residents in their preparedness, the Village in partnership with the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) offer a number of helpful tools, plans and free alerts to assist and keep you informed. Click on the below link to view this information:

https://www.chevychasevillagemd.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=813

Emergency Contact Sheet

EMERGENCY - 911

Chevy Chase Village Police
Non Emergency/24hrs - 301-654-7300

Montgomery County Police
Non Emergency/24hrs - 301-279-8000

Bethesda - Chevy Chase Rescue Squad - 301-652-0077

Chevy Chase Fire Dept
(Opposite Columbia Country Club) - 240-773-4707

Bethesda Fire Dept
(Wisconsin Ave and Bradley Blvd) - 240-773-4706

National Capital Poison Center
(George Washington University Hospital) - 800-222-1222

Utilities

Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO)

Emergency-Live wires down, power failure - 877-737-2662

or visit the website at Pepco.com/Outages/ReportanOutage
to report their outage and receive restoration information.

Customer Service - 202-833-7500

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission

Emergency - 301-206-4002

Complaints, Leaks, Information - 301-206-4001

Washington Gas

Emergency - 703-750-1400

Information & Customer Service - 703-750-1000

Comcast - 800-934-6489

Verizon - 800-837-4966

**A cut out sheet is also located on page two of the January 2019 Crier.

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