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| Rent and utility relief available to those facing pandemic-induced financial hardships
With the COVID-19 eviction moratorium set to expire at the end of this month, the Montgomery County Commissioners are urging residents struggling with pandemic-induced financial hardships to look into our rent & utility relief program administered by Your Way Home. This program has provided much-needed support to both renters and landlords alike, keeping families in their homes while ensuring landlords are compensated.
Montgomery County residents who have experienced a COVID hardship and are in need of rent and/or utility assistance should call 2-1-1 or text their zip code to 898-211. They can also visit https://yourwayhome.org/eruc to learn more. |
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| Montgomery County seeks new farmers to preserve their farms for future generations
The Montgomery County Planning Commission is accepting applications for the 2022 round of the Montgomery County Agricultural Land Preservation Program. This program encourages farmers to learn about how they can apply for permanent agricultural preservation of their farm.
The farmland preservation program purchases agricultural easements on operating farmland in Montgomery County, PA. After the easement is purchased, the owner keeps the land, which must remain in farming in perpetuity.
Some benefits of preserving a farm include direct financial help for the owners to support operations and the reduction of estate and inheritance taxes for those looking to pass on the farm to future generations. Preserved farmland is also more affordable for young farmers to purchase, guarantees a future food supply, and ensures a cherished way of life for the future.
Farms applying for preservation must meet minimum criteria to be eligible for the program. To apply for the program, a farm must:
· Contain the greater of 50 percent or 10 acres of land in agricultural production.
· Be a member of an Agricultural Security Area (ASA) consisting of 500 acres or more, which can be done through your municipality. Not sure you’re in a local ASA? We can provide more information on how to join.
To learn more, click here. |
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| MontcoStrong 2021 nonprofit resiliency grant program applications are now open
The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners announced that a total of $5 million will be made available to nonprofit agencies, who suffered disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, through the MontcoStrong 2021 Nonprofit Resiliency Grant Program. Applications open today, July 19, 2021 at noon and will close on August 10, 2021.
“Nonprofit organizations that provide help with food, healthcare, housing, childcare, mental health resources, elder care and more are critical to the restoration of our communities as we move towards more normalcy,” said Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr., Vice Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners.
There are several differences from the previous MontcoStrong nonprofit grant program administered in 2020. Most notably, the types of organizations that are eligible, the eligible use of funds, and the amount of grant dollars an organization can apply for have changed.
Entities awarded a grant may use the funds for operational expenses paid or to be paid between January 1, 2021, through October 31, 2021. Grant amounts will be determined by the criteria provided in the program guidelines. |
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| Montco Commissioners appoint new Director of Public Safety
Last month, the Montgomery County Commissioners appointed Michael O. Vest as the Director of the Department of Public Safety. Director Vest has been serving as Interim Director since January 6, 2021, following the retirement of former Director Thomas M. Sullivan.
“For the past 12 years, Mike has served Montgomery County with accountability and integrity,” said Dr. Valerie A. Arkoosh, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “As he has done for the past several months, I am confident that through his leadership, he will continue to be a valuable asset to the County in providing the highest level of public safety for our residents and visitors.”
“We congratulate and officially welcome Mike into this new role,” said Kenneth E. Lawrence, Vice Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “I can’t think of anyone else who is better suited to continue to lead our public safety efforts at this critical time.” |
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| Get your COVID-19 vaccine in Montco today!
New COVID-19 variants are threatening not only the health and wellbeing of our communities but also all of the progress we’ve made as a County against this virus. Vaccines have been shown to be safe and they remain our best bet for ending the pandemic and ensuring a lasting return to normalcy.
The good news is that it’s never been easier to get vaccinated in Montco. Our County runs four vaccination clinics all of which welcome walk-ups. For our latest clinic schedule, including hours and location, please visit https://www.montcopa.org/COVID-19Vaccine. |
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| Upcoming Parks, Trails and Historic Sites events
Montgomery County’s Parks, Trails and Historic Sites have a number of events scheduled for the rest of July. Here’s what’s coming up:
Creek Discovery
July 22, 2021 from 11 am to noon at the Norristown Farm Park
Explore Stony Creek in search of the critters that live within its waters.
More details
Build a Bug Hotel
July 24, 2021 from 10 am to 11:30 am at the Norristown Farm Park
Learn all about insects and build your own bug hotel to take home. Cost: $10 per
hotel.
More details
Alcohol Ink Art
July 24, 2021 from 12 pm to 3 pm at the Norristown Farm Park
Get an overview of how to use alcohol inks, some demonstrations and lots of
hands on help if needed. Cost is $35 per person. Adults only.
More details
Summer Strolls Series
July 29, 2021 from 9 am to 10 am at the Norristown Farm Park
Tour the natural world of the Farm Park during this free, all ages hike.
More details
Invasive Plant Walk
July 30, 2021 from 10 am to 11 am at the Peter Wentz Farmstead
Discover the difference between native and invasive species and learn how to
identify non-native plants.
More details
Family Campfire
July 31 from 7:30 pm to 9 pm at the Norristown Farm Park
Bring your family for an educational campfire, games and stories.
More details |
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