News You Can Use Archive
2023
Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters
Pfizer and Moderna have developed updated COVID-19 boosters, called “bivalent” because they protect against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5. As of the middle of February, only about 35% of MoCo residents have received the bivalent booster shot [source]. If you have not yet received the bivalent booster, consider doing so. If you’ve already had it, then you should wait until the next booster variation is produced and available. Here’s more information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Save a Life!
Montgomery County participates in Maryland’s Overdose Response Program and provides free Naloxone training and kits to the community. The training provides information on common opioids, instructions on how to recognize an overdose and how to administer Naloxone properly.
- View the MoCo Dep’t of Health and Human Services calendar to find free training.
- Maryland residents can now get FREE Naloxone through the mail. See naloxoneforall.org for details. In-person training is ideal.
- Learn more here.
2022
Move Over!
A new Maryland law took effect Saturday, October 1, that requires drivers to slow down or change lanes when vehicles are parked or stranded on the side of the road — all part of an effort to reduce the number of roadside deaths. The beefed up Move Over Law — the fourth version of the law in 12 years — covers all vehicles displaying hazard lights on the side of the road.
Drivers must move over when approaching emergency, law enforcement, tow truck, utility and transportation vehicles that are stopped, standing or parked on a highway with lights flashing. If moving over is not possible, then drivers need to slow down. Beginning Saturday, drivers must also change lanes or slow down when they approach any stopped, standing, or parked vehicle with warning signals. Learn more here.
Out, Out, Damned Spot[ted Lanternfly]!
Montgomery County is now part of a spotted lanternfly quarantine zone. What does that mean and what should we do? Learn more here.
It’s Tick Season
- which kinds of ticks are prevalent in Maryland,
- how to avoid and remove ticks, and
- about the many different illnesses caused by tick-borne bacteria, parasites and viruses.
Unfortunate Experience with a Local Cop?
You can now file a complaint through the new Montgomery County Police Accountability Complaint Form.
What is a Thunderclap Headache (TCH) and What MUST You Do IMMEDIATELY If You Have One?
Excruciating thunderclap headaches strike the entire head suddenly like a clap of thunder. The pain of these headaches peaks within 60 seconds and then slowly dissipates. These headaches are uncommon, but can be symptoms of potentially life-threatening conditions like aneurysms and stroke. Even if your headache has ended, call 911 or get to a hospital as soon as possible and insist on receiving a CT scan. Learn more about TCHs here.
Find Out How You Can Support Ukraine
Discover what these highly-rated charities are doing, and how you can help.
Updated! Flyer re: Roadside Recycling and Yard Waste Collection in the Grove
Print it and stick it to your refrigerator door! (PDF)
Uh-oh! I Need a Plumber!
Find out which restaurants and other service providers your neighbors recommend on these lists managed by Washington Grove Cares.
Need to Host a Grove Meeting on Zoom But Not Sure How to Do It?
Here’s some information that might be helpful.
MD Announces Tax Filing Extension
Maryland taxpayers have until July 15 to file and pay with no penalty or interest; Federal income tax deadline is April 18.
Never Lose Your Covid Vaccination Record
If you are a Maryland resident, you can access and print your vaccination record through MyIR (My Immunization Record).