Mid-County's New Website!

After a year of working here, I have finally focused some attention to my website.  There has been a great deal that has changed at the center and so, it made sense to simplify and highlight the key aspects of the work I do.

Advisory Boards: I staff both the Mid-County Citizen's Advisory Board and the Wheaton Urban District Advisory Committee.  Both groups are made up of business owners, nonprofit leaders and residents like you who are committed to strengthening our community.  Community members can share their ideas and concerns to either group as a way of getting your voice heard!

Services at the Center: many people are unaware of the great resources that exist right in their backyard.  Check out what you can access through a visit to the Mid-County Regional Center.

Downtown Wheaton: looking for some good food tonight?  A unique gift for your friend?  Downtown Wheaton has unique options for you to consider.  And if you ever need help while in Wheaton, contact the Clean & Safe Team--our red-shirt ambassadors that can help walk you to your car, jump-start your car and help you when you forget your keys in your car!

Contact Us: let us know if you ever need help getting a question answered or assistance in finding the right government agency for your specific needs.  We are here to support you!

Mid-County National Night Out is August 7th!

August 7th is National Night Out!  This is a time when our nation draws attention to crime prevention and police awareness.  Communities conduct a variety of events to bring their neighbors together and inform them of their efforts around crime prevention and awareness.  

Below is a listing of all the events happening throughout Mid-County:

The Olney Chamber partners with the Montgomery County Police, the MD-National Capital Park Police, Montgomery County Crime Solvers, the Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department, and the Longwood Community Center to bring the greater Olney community this important event.  This will take place at the Fair Hill Shopping Center from 5-8pm.

The Mid-County Community Workgroup is hosting their NNO at the MID-COUNTY RECREATION CENTER, 2004 Queensguard Road, from 5-8pm.  There will be activities inside and outside, including an ANTIQUE CAR SHOW around 6 - 6:45, Police and Fire personnel and demonstrations, activities for youth and children, and a visit from Co. Exec. Leggett and other officials.  Project Reboot (www.projectreboot.org), and the Mid-County United Ministries (MUM) (www.mumhelp.org) in Wheaton. Bring some canned or packaged food for MUM and the Oak Chapel Food Pantry.


The Greater Glenmont Civic Association also participates in National Night Out. Their purpose in carrying out this event is to raise awareness about crime and drug prevention, generate support for local anti-crime programs, strengthen police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are taking a stand against crime!  They will meet in front of Weller Road Elementary, 3301 Weller Road, Silver Spring at 7pm.  

Lastly, Forest Estates Community Association will again be holding its annual Ice Cream Social / National Night Out in Getty Park at 10000 Woodland Avenue from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  Their ice cream is a decades-long tradition and is well attended by neighbors, County officials and the 4th District police.

Come out and support these great efforts in Mid-County!

Ana Lopez van Balen
Mid-County Regional Services Director

Salvadoran Festival

After almost a year, I'm back.  I've visited many civic groups, held events for nonprofits and now, I'm coming back to Wheaton to start a series of events and meetings dedicated to building up the commercial business district.  Our first upcoming event is the Salvadoran Festival to be held this weekend, Aug. 5th from 12-5pm.  Hope to see you there!