2 assaults reported in as many months at Silver Spring nursing home

Two months have brought reports of two assaults at the same Silver Spring nursing home. The first assault at the nursing home in the 2000 block of East-West Highway was reported on November 26, 2023. Montgomery County police officers were called to the facility again exactly one month later, this past Tuesday, December 26, at 12:17 AM. As in last month's incident, the report was of a 2nd-degree assault.

Silver Spring's newest building, aquatic center named for Ike Leggett

Former Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett served three terms during some of the most-challenging economic conditions the jurisdiction has faced in its history. As a result, Leggett did not have the luxury or opportunity to leave behind a signature project that was closely associated with his legacy. That will change tomorrow, May 4, 2023, when a new senior housing apartment tower and full-scale aquatic center will be christened The Leggett. Located at 1315 Apple Avenue in downtown Silver Spring, the 16-story development includes 267 affordable apartments for seniors 62 and older, public health amenities that include a Holy Cross Hospital Wellness Center, and the glassed-in ground floor aquatic center with an Olympic-size pool. The latter will be for public use by all Montgomery County residents.

Ike Leggett and a volunteer officially
close the old Wheaton Library forever
in March 2016

Leggett, a Vietnam veteran, is one of the most highly-respected politicians and leaders in the county. That's one reason Maryland Gov. Wes Moore will be attending the dedication ceremony tomorrow, along with County Executive Marc Elrich and Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass. You can be sure Moore will note how fitting it is that he, as first African-American governor of Maryland, will be there to honor the man who was the first African-American County Councilmember and County Executive.

Leggett played nearly every imaginable political role in the county and state over his career. But he was never one to put political concerns over what was right. I recall that some developer-backed proponents of maximizing density in White Oak unleashed despicable attacks on former County Councilmember Marilyn Praisner during the White Oak sector plan debate. They insinuated that Praisner was racist, and tried to block development in her Council district, which included White Oak. What made it especially despicable, was that Praisner had died many years prior, and could not defend herself from these false attacks.

The ordinary citizen familiar with Praisner's career knew the truth: Praisner was never a racist; her legislative record showed exactly the opposite. Her district has one of the largest percentages of multifamily housing in the county, which clearly was not blocked from being built, and is one of the most diverse in Montgomery. Praisner's only "crime" was in supporting responsible growth policies, and annoying developers in the process. But the ordinary citizen didn't have the platform or recognition to speak in Praisner's defense.

I will always remember that Leggett stepped in to publicly correct the record on Praisner's behalf. He didn't have to, and he risked some political capital in doing so. Having served alongside Praisner and being one of the most prominent residents of her district, he had more credibility than anyone in addressing the topic, and he successfully put the kibosh on the reprehensible attack on her character and record. 

The Leggett will very appropriately carry its namesake's legacy into the future. If you felt you should take a shot of strong liquor every time Leggett expressed concern for "the most vulnerable" in our community, you know it was one of his driving values. Here are 16 stories of brand-new apartments for our most vulnerable seniors. Here, too, are state-of-the-art aquatic facilities that will be open to people of all income levels. Thousands of people will pass through the aquatic center's doors in the coming decades. A very fitting tribute to one of the most important political figures in Montgomery County history.

Montgomery County now collecting durable medical equipment at Shady Grove Transfer Station

Do you have medical equipment you no longer need, and is just taking up space in your home? Now it can be put to use for less-fortunate residents in need of it. Montgomery County is now collecting durable medical equipment at the Shady Grove Transfer Station at 16101 Frederick Road (MD 355) in Derwood. "Gently-used" wheelchairs, canes, shower chairs, and other commonly-used medical equipment will be accepted, and will be refurbished and donated to residents who need it. The new initiative has been made possible by the Montgomery County Department of the Environment's entry into the Maryland Department of Aging’s Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Re-Use program.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich

“There is an ongoing need for medical equipment in our County,” Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said in a statement. “Many of us have medical equipment in our basements, garages or attics that is no longer used, but is too good to throw away. This program helps our County’s efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle, while providing critical assistance to those in need. I encourage everyone to donate if they have any equipment that can still be used. This program isn’t just helping our planet—it is also helping our neighbors.”

Technicians from Maryland DME Re-Use take the donated equipment to a 56,000-square-foot facility located in Cheltenham in Prince George's County. There, it is sanitized, repaired and stored for future distribution. Equipment that is beyond repair will be broken down for parts that are saved and later used, rather than going into the trash.

To find out more about Maryland DME Re-Use, including collection site locations, acceptable donations or how to apply to receive durable medical equipment, go to dme.maryland.gov, call 240-230-8000 or email dme.mdoa@maryland.gov.

Giant ends Senior Tuesdays discount

Senior Tuesdays usually find an increase in shoppers at local Giant stores. That was because of the 5% discount for seniors. About two weeks ago, however, some seniors discovered the popular promotion is ending.

While the 5% discount was honored that Tuesday, the shoppers were informed that they could sign up at the customer service desk for a new promotion where coupons would be mailed to them at home. I asked the corporate office at Giant, and they confirmed that the Senior Tuesday promotion is being axed.

Giant said they are introducing a new plan for seniors, a personalized monthly mailer with targeted coupons and nutrition advice. As store employees told shoppers two weeks ago, you can sign up for the mailings at the customer service desk using your Bonus Card and mailing address.