Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett announced last month the official launch of MC311, the county’s new online and telephone information system. The public is now able to access Montgomery County government information and non-emergency services online or by calling a single number: “3-1-1.” For more information, www.montgomerycountymd.gov.

New Library Hours

Montgomery County library operating hours will change for local branches due to budget cuts. Beginning July 6, the Quince Orchard Library is open Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Other changes include a limit of holds per library card (15 from 35), library accounts for patrons who owe more than $25 (currently $15) will be blocked, and a $2 replacement fee will be charged for lost or stolen library cards.

The Gaithersburg Library is closed now due to renovations. Negotiations are continuing on reopening a satellite branch, but patrons are currently being rerouted to other libraries.

Libraries’ Summer Programs

A variety of programs will be presented at Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) from the week of July 12 through August 24. Among the programs being offered will be Grammy-award winning folk music artists Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, The Maryland Science Center, Reptiles Alive!, magicians Mike Rose and Joe Romano, and children’s performer Tracey Eldridge.

Due to budgetary constraints, the traditional Summer Reading Program held in county public libraries will not be presented this year.

“We regret that we are not able to offer Summer Reading this year,” said MCPL Director Parker Hamilton. “But we feel that the programs being presented have a lot of educational value and offer a lot of summer fun for children. Families are encouraged to visit their local library and make reading a family activity.”

A complete list of library programs and events, including program registration information, is on the library website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library in the Spotlight section (#1) or by clicking on the Check Us Out! icon.

Mark your Calendars for Annual Farm Tour and Harvest Sale

Montgomery County will celebrate its agricultural heritage, promote local farms, and indulge in seasonally fresh food during the 21st Annual Farm Tour and Harvest Sale. Fourteen farms will participate this year on Saturday, July 24, and 10 will reopen for a second day on Sunday, July 25. The farms will be open both days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This event will take place rain or shine; however, if it rains some events and activities scheduled at the farms may be delayed or cancelled.

Last year’s Farm Tour was attended by more than 7,000 people. This year, the event coincides with the Buy Local Challenge, which encourages people to eat locally grown food.

The Farm Tour provides residents with an opportunity to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants and other local products. Several farms have hayrides, pony rides, music, demonstrations and other fun and educational activities planned for people of all ages. Bring your friends and family and spend a day or two in the country petting farm animals or having lunch by a scenic pond.

The Farm Tour and Harvest Sale brochure is located at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/farmtour.

Waters House History Center Closes

The Montgomery County Historical Society (MCHS) closed the Waters House History Center to the public on June 30. MCHS has utilized the Waters House since 2001 through an agreement with the property owner, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC).

In 1990, the land surrounding the farmhouse was developed and the historic property and buildings were saved and renovated as a community amenity. Built in the 1790s, the Waters House was modernized in a Victorian Italianate style in the 1800s and was home to the Waters family for more than a century on an 800-acre farm known as Pleasant Fields. The grounds today consist of the house, a bank barn, a carriage house and a corn crib.

The decision to terminate operations at the Waters House was made by the board of directors of MCHS as a direct result of the declining economy. County funding for MCHS will be reduced by 50 percent in fiscal year 2011.

The Montgomery County Historical Society will continue to operate its Rockville campus, which includes the Beall-Dawson House, The Stonestreet Museum of 19th Century Medicine, The Jane Sween Library and the administrative buildings.

Sponsors Wanted for Housing Fair and Financial Fitness Day

The Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) invites housing providers, businesses, banks, credit unions, realtors, government agencies, community organizations, and nonprofits to be sponsors and exhibitors at the annual Housing Fair. The fair will take place on Saturday, October 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bohrer Park Activity Center, Summit Hall Farm, 506 South Frederick Avenue.

Sponsors receive recognition for their organization depending on the level of sponsorship and sponsors exhibitors will receive prime booth space for displaying their promotional materials and meeting one-on-one with attendees.

The exhibit fee amount is tailored to the type of organization:  businesses and banks; credit unions; government and education groups; and 501(c)3 nonprofits. Exhibitors are encouraged to register before
August 16 to receive a reduced rate.

This year marks the 10th anniversary for the Housing Fair, and organizers are planning expanded outreach to the community, as well as new networking opportunities and publicity benefits for participating sponsors and exhibitors. Last year’s attendance hit record levels of more than 1,000 people, with 100 sponsors and exhibitors participating.

“Our 10th anniversary Housing Fair is a unique opportunity for businesses and organizations to reach people who are in the market for housing in Montgomery County,” said Myriam Torrico, administrator of Hispanic Affairs in DHCA. “We are expecting hundreds of homeowners interested in refinancing their mortgages to attend in addition to people looking for rental housing. Information on renters’ rights, money management, credit and bankruptcy will be provided, as well as sound advice on what to do if you are in danger of losing your home.”

For more information, contact Myriam Torrico at 240.777.3627 or e-mail myriam.torrico@montgomerycountymd.gov.