Montgomery County Public Libraries, Technology Services and ultraMontgomery Offer Summer Digital Learning Program for Seniors

Montgomery County Public Libraries, the Department of Technology Services and ultraMontgomery have teamed up to offer technology courses for seniors this summer. The courses are designed specifically for older adults by NYC-based Older Adults Technology Services, which operates the Senior Planet technology center in Manhattan.
 
Courses will be offered at three MCPL locations:

Marilyn J. Praisner
14910 Old Columbia Pike
Burtonsville

iPad Basics for Older Adults will introduce seniors to the basics of operating an iPad and navigating the Internet in ways that might enrich an older person’s life.
June 5 – Aug 9 (10-week class)
Class meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m.
 
Social Media for Older Adults will take participants through many of the most popular social media tools used including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
June 5 - July 5 (5-week class)
Class meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.
 
Long Branch
8800 Garland Ave.
Silver Spring

iPad Basics for Older Adults will introduce seniors to the basics of operating an iPad and navigating the Internet in ways that might enrich an older person’s life.
June 6 – Aug 15 (10-week class)
Class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m.
 
Germantown
19840 Century Boulevard
Germantown

Computer Basics for Older Adults will teach about online safety, using web-based email, searching the internet for information, accessing benefits, sources of entertainment, and connecting to people, organizations and interests that matter to them.
June 5 – Aug 9 (10-week class)
Class meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.
 
To register for any program, call 240-753-0676. For additional information about these programs, please contact Mary Ellen Icaza at 240-777-0006.

Hurricane and Summer Storm Season Begins June 1; Montgomery County's Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Offers Storm Tips

Today, June 1, marks the official start of the summer storm and hurricane season. The Atlantic Hurricane season lasts from June through November. The Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) joins the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) in urging residents to take necessary precautions to stay safe.

County residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Montgomery, Montgomery County's emergency warning system, to receive important notifications of weather watches and warnings, along with information about road and facility closures, traffic signal outages and other emergency information. Go to alert.montgomerycountymd.gov to sign up for alerts that can be sent to landline phones, cell phones or other mobile devices.

The effects of a hurricane or tropical storm can be far-reaching. Areas impacted directly by a hurricane or tropical storm can be affected by high winds and flooding, especially along waterways and in low-lying areas. Fringe areas of these storms are vulnerable to tornadoes and in-land flooding caused by heavy rain.

The National Weather Service has developed a Watch/Warning Advisory system:

• A Severe Thunderstorm "Watch" is issued when severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that they will occur. It only means they are possible. When a "watch" is issued, residents should keep informed of the situation and think about the actions would be necessary to take if the conditions worsen. A Severe Thunderstorm "Warning" is issued when severe thunderstorms are occurring or imminent in the warning area. Severe thunderstorms are defined as winds of 58 mph or higher and/or hail one inch in diameter or larger. A warning is a call to residents to take action and protect themselves.
• A Tropical Storm "Watch" is issued when a tropical cyclone containing winds of 34 to 63 kt (39 to 73 mph) or higher poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding and/or river flooding. The watch does not mean that the tropical storm conditions will occur. It only means that these conditions are possible. After a warning, continue to the monitor weather reports and plan what further actions might need to be taken. A Tropical Storm "Warning" is issued when sustained winds of 34 to 63 kt (39 to 73 mph) or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding. A warning means residents should take protective actions.
• A Hurricane "Watch" is issued if hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are possible within the specified area. Watches are typically issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. Residents are advised to prepare their homes and businesses; review an evacuation plan and listen closely for further condition updates and instructions. A Hurricane "Warning" is issued when hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are expectedwithin the specified area. Warnings are typically issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. When a Warning has been issued residents should complete storm preparations and seek shelter or evacuate if instructed to do so.

• Build an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes such items as non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries.
• Make a Family Emergency Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
• Continually monitor the media (radio, TV or internet) – Be aware of storms which could impact your area.
• Know how you will be warned in an emergency… Alert Montgomery, (NOAA Weather radios with a tone alert are a good option).
• Ensure your home is ready. Bring in or secure outdoor items that could become projectiles in high wind.
• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting in anticipation of a power outage. Open the door only when necessary and close quickly. Frozen food in a half-full freezer should remain safe for up to 24 hours, and in a full freezer, up to 48 hours.

• Follow instructions and emergency advice from County officials or heed shelter or evacuation requests made through announcements on radio/television.
• Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
• Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Tornado danger signs include a dark, almost greenish sky; large hail; a large, dark, low-lying cloud or a loud roar, similar to a freight train.
• Gather family members, bring pets indoors and have your emergency supply kit ready.
• Close outside doors and window blinds, shades or curtains. Close all interior doors. Stay away from doors, windows and exterior walls. Stay in a shelter location (small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level) until the danger has passed.
• During lightning, do not use wired telephones, touch electrical appliances or use running water. Cordless or cellular telephones are safe to use.
• During a power outage use flashlights and battery-powered lanterns for light. Avoid using candles which pose a fire risk.
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as personal cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill a bathtub or other large container with the water. This is particularly important for those whose water runs off of an electrical system.
• If your residence could flood, store valuable and personal papers in a waterproof container.
• Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths. Six inches of swiftly moving water can knock you off your feet.
• Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road – you can become stranded or trapped. Six inches of water can cause loss of vehicle control and stalling. Twenty-four inches of rushing water will carry away most vehicles, even SUVs and trucks. Remember, "Turn Around, Don't Drown."
• Stay indoors and limit travel only to absolutely necessary trips. Listen to radio/television for updates.  

• Stay off roads to allow emergency crews to clear roads and provide emergency assistance.
• Help injured or trapped persons. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury.
• Use the telephone only for emergencies.
• Use care around downed power lines. Assume a downed wire is a live wire.
• Watch out for overhead hazards such as broken tree limbs, wires and other debris.
• Avoid walking into flood waters. The water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewerage, contain downed power lines or animals.
• Look for hazards such as broken/leaking gas lines, damaged sewage systems, flooded electrical circuits, submerged appliances and structural damage. Leave the area if you smell gas or chemical fumes.
• Clean everything that gets wet. For food, medicines and cosmetics; when in doubt, throw it out.
• Make sure backup generators are well ventilated. Never use grills, generators or camping stoves indoors.
• Call 3-1-1 (or 240-777-0311 from a cell phone or from a location outside of Montgomery County) to report downed trees on public property and for help with County services, or go to MC311.com. If wires are involved with the downed tree, if anyone is trapped, or the tree is blocking a roadway, call 9-1-1.

For additional emergency information and planning resources (available in Spanish, French, Chinese, and now Amharic), visit the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security website at: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/oemhs. 

New Latex Paint Disposal Policy

Latex paint cannot be disposed of within the regular trash, nor will the county accept it through the hazardous waste stream.  For years, we have instructed residents to place kitty litter or other commercially available drying agents into the wet cans, wait for the paint to dry and then enclose the cans within their regular trash.  This process requires some effort and time.  Unfortunately, many latex paint cans have not been successfully dried prior to placement in the household trash, and these cans have leaked onto Village roadways and in the back of the trash trucks causing a mess and damage. 
           
Both to assist our residents and to prevent paint cans from leaking, we are enacting a new policy to ensure latex paint cans are sufficiently dried prior to disposal:

• When you are preparing to dispose of latex paint cans, proceed to add either kitty litter or another commercially-available drying agent (available at local hardware stores) to the can.
• Once you feel that the paint can has sufficiently dried, contact the Village Communications Center or visit the Village website to complete a Public Works Order form to request a “paint can check”.  The can(s) must be placed in an easily accessible exterior location (in the vicinity of your refuse/recycling containers or on your driveway is best).
• Once your request is received by the Village, a Public Works employee will be sent to your home, typically within two business days, to determine if the cans are sufficiently dry.
• If the can is sufficiently dry, Public Works staff will place a green sticker on the top of the can approving it for safe disposal. 
  • If the can is not sufficiently dry, Public Works will affix a red sticker to the top of the can indicating that either additional time or application of more kitty litter or drying agents are necessary.
• Once a can receives a green sticker, you may proceed to place the can in a bag along with your regular household trash.

We hope this new procedure will help our residents by ensuring that latex paint cans are safe for disposal.  You can also find this policy on our Website. Should you have any questions regarding this new policy, please contact the Village office. 

Art Shows by Somerset Elementary School Fifth Graders
By Councilmember Barbara Zeughauser (Trent Street)

Lynn Lewis, the art teacher at Somerset Elementary School, has been working with the fifth graders of Somerset Elementary School, on a project entitled: Mother Earth: Micro, Macro and Me, that will be on display at the Somerset Town Hall from March 31 – June 9, 2017.   The Town Hall is open Monday through Friday, from 9a.m. to 4:30p.m.  
 
The fifth graders explore different perspectives of life on Earth through mix media that connects art with environmental awareness.  Their work entails tooling metal discs for a microscopic view of plant or animal cellular structures.  In addition, they examine an interstellar view of the universe using watercolors to create their own visions, while referring to photographs from the Hubel telescope.   Finally, they superimpose a silhouette of themselves in a setting on Earth where they feel most at peace. 
 
This exhibit was created in conjunction with the Mother Earth Project, an Instagram movement, founded by Somerset resident and sculptor, Bart Rubenstein.
 
In order to accommodate all fifth graders, there will be three separate shows and three Opening Celebrations.  The first show will be from March 31 through April 25, with the Opening Celebration on Thursday, April 6, from 6-7p.m.  The second show will be from April 27-May 18, with the Opening Celebration on May 2, from 6-7p.m.  And the last show will be from May 19-June 9, with the Opening Celebration on May 23, from 6-7p.m. 
 
We hope many of you will take the time to stop by the Somerset Town Hall to see this truly extraordinary exhibit by the children of Somerset Elementary School.  And hopefully many of you will be able to attend one or all of the Opening Celebrations!

Maintaining Rights-of-Ways

Spring is finally here and that means shrubs and plantings are set to bloom. Take a walk around your property…are all of the public sidewalks surrounding your property clear of low-hanging branches, overgrown bushes and vines? Is the grass in the right-of-way and tree box area mowed and maintained at less than ten inches in height? Does any shrubbery block sight lines for vehicles?

Be a considerate neighbor (and comply with the Village Code) by mowing the grass and pruning back any overgrowth that interferes with pedestrian use of the sidewalks abutting your property. Clearing these obstacles will continue to make the Village pedestrian, stroller, and bicycle friendly and safe for all.

Are You Prepared?

As we saw last season during the record Blizzard of 2016 and as gear up for the upcoming winter season, the Village reminds residents that it is important to be prepared. 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.

Village Website and Blast Email System – Have you signed up for the Village’s blast email system? This is primary electronic method of communication with you. The Village has 2 email lists you can sign-up for:

Urgent News Alert – include messages such as criminal activity, neighborhood disruptions such as water main breaks, power outages and road closures and major weather events.

General News Alerts – include messages about Board and committee meetings, community events, changes in public services such as refuse/recycling collection schedules and upcoming road closures.

To sign-up for the blast email system visit the Village website at www.chevychasevillagemd.gov and click on the tablet icon at the top of the Village’s homepage.
 

Alert Montgomery – Alert Montgomery is the office emergency communications service for Montgomery County, MD. During major crisis, emergency or severe weather events, Montgomery County officials will send event updates, warnings and instructions directly to you on any of your devices. To sign-up for Alert Montgomery please visit the OEMHS website www.montgomerycountymd.gov/oemhs and click on the “Alert Montgomery” link at the top of the page.

Family and Community Preparedness Information – Emergencies can take many form and occur with or without warning. By taking a few simple steps now, you can ensure that you, your family and your community are better prepared to handle emergencies. To assist in your family planning please visit the Village’s emergency preparedness page, www.chevychasevillagemd.gov/emergencyprep for helpful tools and links. Another important tool the Village has to assist you in your preparedness efforts is to always request a House Check when you are out town and ensure that your emergency contacts are up to date with the Village office.

For additional information please visit the Village’s website at www.chevychasevillagemd.gov and click on the “Are you prepared? – Emergency Preparedness Tips” link listed in the Quick Links on the homepage.

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

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 2017 Crier.

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