It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Montgomery Preservation Inc in Montgomery Village, MD gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Montgomery Village, MD is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Dena is a consummate professional that has spent years dedicating her time to helping seniors”
“We needed to find care for my grandmother after a serious health crisis. Her care”
“I would like to thank the folks at Always Best Care for taking care of”
“This is a follow up about my Mom who is 87 years old recovering”
“Always Best Care Senior Services supplied me with superior skilled nursing care after my partial”
“Tigist, Grace A, Elaine, & Jonathan try to help my elderly dad every day seemingly”
“After my elderly sister fell, I needed an attendant on short notice. Always Best Care”
“We are so happy to have found Always Best Care. Last November, I suffered a”
“ABC was so helpful, professional and easy to work with when I needed help caring”
“Always Best Care is a wonderful place to work. The staff are kind, thoughtful and”
“Always Best Care has provided my mother and our family with wonderful care and support”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services in assisting with your search for quality”
“My 97 year old husband on Hospice was cared for by his namesake, another Benjamin”
“We have been using this service for over a year for 24/7 care for my”
“I've had such great experience working with everyone at Always Best Care. They're all amazing”
“I can't say enough about the professionalism and the general overall caring from the top”
“Needed a caregiver for my dad during my son's wedding and we were put in”
“My grandmother needed to go to a skilled nursing facility from the hospital. She was”
“Expert and professional care provided for my loved one.”
“We were very pleased with Always Best Care (ABC). We used ABC following a”
“We used ABCSS for my Dad. When Mom needed similar care, they were the”
“At a time when you need help the most. When you don't know what to”
“competent csring staff. always reliable.in Over six months of daily care, there was only one”
“My mother received services from ABC for about 2 years. I reached out to”
“Awesome staff and care givers!!”
“Dena is a consummate professional that has spent years dedicating her time to helping seniors and their families. She is kind, compassionate, very resourceful, and we would not hesitate to refer her service to any family in need. As a dementia expert, she is truly able to help families understand this disease process, and provide support and guidance along their journey, which is something we greatly appreciate!”
“We needed to find care for my grandmother after a serious health crisis. Her care would be taking place across state lines, about 2 hours away from my home. I was referred to Dena at ABC by someone in my community. It turns out that she lives in the area where Gram would be placed. As a result, she was able to recommend a wonderful assisted living facility hat fit our specifications perfectly. We were able to tour the facility via Zoom while a family member toured with Dena in person. Dena’s willingness to listen and then take great care in her recommendation made the search painless. We were so fortunate to find this compassionate business.”
“I would like to thank the folks at Always Best Care for taking care of my Mom, especially Ashley for coordinating everything, nurse Diptina for looking after her health, caregiver Georgina for taking care of her and Dina for helping to place her in an assisted living home.”
“This is a follow up about my Mom who is 87 years old recovering from a hip fracture and numerous complications related to being under medicated and over medicated at various inpatient facilities. The 24 hour care team at Always Best Care Rockville has kept us going and cared for my Mom as if they would their own Mom over the past 9 weeks. This team includes outstanding and heroic Day shift care by Suzanne, Roseline and Dorothy and Night shift care by Afua, Ellen, Hawa. An extra 10 star commendation goes to Roseline and Dorothy who spoke up about concerns they had to their nurse managers that resulted in a discovery that my Mom was being overmedicated during day time hours and undermedicated at night. 10 star commendation also go to Ndey Care Coordinator in the office who is always calm, caring and helpful no matter what craziness is going on! Thank you all! This is the highest calling to provide personalized, deeply compassionate care to those who are sick and vulnerable!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services supplied me with superior skilled nursing care after my partial hip replacement. I could not have done without Cadaissia's and Kumba's very attentive care. I appreciated that they followed my specific directions exactly. There was never one complaint. They were calm, kind, patient and confident. I highly recommend "Always Best Care Senior Services," Cadaissia and Kumba very highly.”
“Tigist, Grace A, Elaine, & Jonathan try to help my elderly dad every day seemingly to the best of their abilities.”
“After my elderly sister fell, I needed an attendant on short notice. Always Best Care provided an over-night attendant with just 2 hours notice. The attendant arrived exactly on time and did a great job!”
“We are so happy to have found Always Best Care. Last November, I suffered a compound ankle fracture and was completely non weight-bearing. As the primary helper for my husband who has Parkinson's, I needed to find a solution fast. I called Always Best based on a neighbor's recommendation. Within a short time, I had an in-home visit from their representative who listened carefully to me describe our needs and helped develop a forward looking plan. . The next day, Always Best sent an aide to our house. From the minute this young woman (Swikriti) came into our home, things got better, I could hardly believe what a good match Always Best had to us right from the start! She is energetic, pleasant, and respectful with a strong work ethic and a desire to help. Although I am now able to walk again, we continue to work with Swikriti as she is such a big help to us. Our experience with Always Best has been very position - from the initial assessment, to their front office staff, billing, and most of all, their fantastic aide.”
“ABC was so helpful, professional and easy to work with when I needed help caring for my mom. I highly recommend”
“Always Best Care is a wonderful place to work. The staff are kind, thoughtful and the quality of service is above and beyond the norm. I am grateful to have joined such a prestigious organization of women that care about the people and employees they serve. It is extremely rare to find the level of expertise and professionalism that ABC possesses, anywhere else in this industry.”
“Always Best Care has provided my mother and our family with wonderful care and support from her stay in sub acute rehab to assisted living over several years. We have been fortunate to have the same caregiver for the last year and she has been beyond stellar! All other caregivers were always above average. Just an outstanding group of very compassionate and kind people from the office to the caregivers. Our family HIGHLY recommends Always Best Care!”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services in assisting with your search for quality care for your loved one. I worked with Dena to find a suitable facility that could care for my mother in her condition. They are very knowledgeable as it pertains to the senior care industry, which is overwhelming to those with no experience with this industry. The overall process was very thorough and I felt that worked diligently to find the best type of facility that would suit my mother's needs.”
“My 97 year old husband on Hospice was cared for by his namesake, another Benjamin who was with him daily from 8AM to 8PM. Not only did Benjamin help me survive (I am almost 97 too), but he was so kind, gentle and careful about all that he did. When my husband saw him in the morning, he actually managed a tiny smile. In addition to direct care for his patient, he washed dishes, dusted and vacuumed!! There were also two night shift aides, Emanuel and Bismarck. Each came only once but they were equally competent. Without Robin Henoch and ABC? I don't even want to think about it.”
“We have been using this service for over a year for 24/7 care for my 87 year old mother with dementia. A few of the caregivers have been with her over a year. Raheema her weekend, daytime caregiver treats her like family. She is so kind & an advocate for her care. Mom loves Fridays when Vera comes because not only does she take good care of her above & beyond such as putting curlers in her hair & taking her around the block, but she also has lots of energy & jokes around with her which she loves. Ami takes care of Mom a few overnights each week & she is kind, gentle, compassionate & professional. In the office, Ashley spent an extraordinary amount of time with me at the beginning & was friendly & professional & caring. Esther really listens to my concerns & addresses them. I would highly recommend their service.”
“I've had such great experience working with everyone at Always Best Care. They're all amazing and hard working people.”
“I can't say enough about the professionalism and the general overall caring from the top down to my 92 year old mother's care giver Diana. Not only does my mother adore her, her friends say how great Diana is and lastly the facility called me yesterday to say how great Diana is working with my mother. 5 Stars is not enough....”
“Needed a caregiver for my dad during my son's wedding and we were put in touch with Always Best. They did a tremendous job through the whole process including scheduling and making sure our needs were met. The event day caregiver was Sam and he was so great to my dad. On time, friendly, always smiling and ensuing my dad was comfortable at all times. Would use them again for sure”
“My grandmother needed to go to a skilled nursing facility from the hospital. She was scared and we wanted to ensure that she was well taken care of, so we arranged for caregivers there. She went home with 24 hour care. ABC made that process so easy and they were so kind. My grandmother found her caregivers to be dependable, courteous, helpful, compassionate and punctual. She wanted to personally thank Anne Marie Njang, Celestina, and Akosua Atta for being there for her.”
“Expert and professional care provided for my loved one.”
“We were very pleased with Always Best Care (ABC). We used ABC following a major surgery. We needed a CNA for various types of assistance for two people with limited mobility. Our original plan for help, with a different agency, fell apart early in my recovery. ABC had an excellent replacement in our home within 24 hours. The woman who provided most of our care was very good. Based on both responsiveness and quality, we would call ABC first if we need in home care in the future.”
“We used ABCSS for my Dad. When Mom needed similar care, they were the first we called. The need happened very quickly and ABCSS was able to find us a 24/7 sitter for the first night when we called them. They provide caregivers who indeed care about those they serve. Robin and Ashley (owners) are very attentive to our needs and are always looking for ways they can make things easier for us while caring for our loved ones. Highly recommend.”
“At a time when you need help the most. When you don't know what to expect next, other the expectation to be overwhelmed, Always Best Care was a great choice for help when I needed it the most in caring for my elder Father. I was out of my element and really didn't know what to do to properly care for my Father - but Always Best Care knew exactly what to do. When we first contacted Robin she responded immediately, met with us very quickly and was ready to go with as much staffing & care that we needed on Day 1. The caregivers were all experienced and personable, and genuinely nice people. When the time came that we had to shift to Hospice care, the staff already knew what to do with regard to interacting with the Hospice staff. And when the time came that my Father passed away they made sure we were notified immediately and remained with my Father until we arrived. I couldn't have asked for a level of service beyond what we received and I thank Robin and her staff for helping my Father and our family during his final weeks of life so that we could make him as comfortable as possible.”
“competent csring staff. always reliable.in Over six months of daily care, there was only one incident when weather prevented anyone from coming”
“My mother received services from ABC for about 2 years. I reached out to Robin (head of the agency) because Mom was struggling with her memory and other symptoms of dementia. Always Best Care has wonderful caregivers and the staff was always available, kind, hard working and helpful. This refers to not only the caregivers, but their staff of nurses, doctors, receptionists, everyone. I could (and did) call day or in the middle of the night, and someone was always available to help me with my mom's issues. The caregivers were prompt, professional, hard working and really patient and kind. My mom passed away last month with Advanced Alzheimer's disease. I feel good really about the final years of my mom's life, at home with all she loved most, and that includes all that Always Best Care has to offer.”
“Awesome staff and care givers!!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting South Valley Park in Montgomery Village, MD with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Little Island Kitchen or visit West Montgomery Avenue Historic District, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Montgomery Village, MD, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Montgomery Village, MD understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Montgomery Village, MD 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Residents should be alert to species that harm native trees in Montgomery County.Spotted LanternflySpotted lanternfly is an invasive insect species introduced to Montgomery County. While spotted lanternfly is not likely to cause long-term damage to forests and urban trees in Montgomery County, they will impact a few agricultural crops, especially grapes. The sticky honeydew they drop during feeding activities can turn black with sooty mold and may be a nuisance on decks, patios, or vehicles. Residents will likely see spotted ...
Residents should be alert to species that harm native trees in Montgomery County.
Spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect species introduced to Montgomery County. While spotted lanternfly is not likely to cause long-term damage to forests and urban trees in Montgomery County, they will impact a few agricultural crops, especially grapes. The sticky honeydew they drop during feeding activities can turn black with sooty mold and may be a nuisance on decks, patios, or vehicles. Residents will likely see spotted lanternfly because they are large with bright colors and tend to congregate in large numbers.
More information is available through the University of Maryland Extension and the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Their websites maintain up-to-date information on spotted lanternfly’s spread throughout Maryland and its impact on homeowners, agriculture, and the wider ecosystem of the area.
What can you do?
Photo Credit: Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State University, Bugwood.org Image Text: Spotted Lanternfly Life Stages. Egg Mass, Nymph - Early Stage, Nymph - Late Stage, Adult at Rest
The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an exotic insect pest from Asia that infests and kills ash trees, typically within 3 years of infestation. EAB is widespread in the Lake States and the Mid-Atlantic. Montgomery County is now in the late stages of EAB infestation. There are treatment options available to protect ash trees from EAB, but early detection and treatment is critical. Infestation is very hard to detect during the first few years, but in its later stages the canopy will thin and die back. Increased woodpecker activity and small D-shaped exit holes in the bark of the tree is indicative of EAB infestation. In Montgomery County, most untreated ash trees are infested with EAB and should be treated before they decline or removed before they become hazardous to nearby homes, playgrounds, parking areas, etc. Ash trees were an important street tree and were a significant portion of the trees found in the local parks, especially along local rivers and streams.
University of Maryland Extension and the Maryland Department of Agriculture have more information on EAB, infestation, and best management practices on their websites. For more information on EAB and Montgomery County street trees, check out the MCDOT Tree Maintenance Section's website.
What can you do? Maryland published a 'Homeowner’s Guide to Emerald Ash Borer'. Also, it’s important to never move firewood, buy it where you burn it even when vacationing.
Learn more about Emerald Ash Borer and how to protect your ash trees on our blog.
The spongy moth is a very destructive invasive species to forests and urban trees in Maryland and much of the eastern United States. Spongy moth caterpillars eat the leaves of trees, especially oaks. When populations of caterpillars are high, they eat most of the leaves off trees, weakening trees and making them more vulnerable to other pests and diseases, as well as drought, heat and urban pollution. In many cases, damage by spongy moths kills mature trees.
Montgomery County participates in a program with both the Maryland Department of Agriculture and the US Forest Service. Check out the Maryland Department of Agriculture Spongy Moth Program for more information. They have several helpful brochures for homeowners.
Four things you can do:
Eastern tent caterpillars and fall webworms are two species of moths native to the mid-Atlantic. Both species are active each spring. Fall webworms are also active in late summer and fall. Both species build silken weblike tents in the branches of trees. The caterpillars spend nights in the protection of the tents and come out to feed on leaves during the day.
Typically, these caterpillars do not cause significant long-term damage to trees. However, their tents are often large and unsightly, especially when they hang in tree branches through the winter.
More information on tent caterpillars and fall webworms can be found on the University of Maryland Extension Service website.
Read Maryland Department of the Agriculture's overview of eastern tent caterpillars including more information about how to control them.
Two things you can do:
Don’t worry about spreading or moving these two species.They’re native to most of the eastern United States.
These caterpillars are often confused. This fact sheet explains the differences between spongy moths and eastern tent caterpillars. Eastern tent caterpillars are native and are not a serious threat like spongy moth caterpillars. The eastern tent caterpillar builds a web-like tent in the spring while spongy moth caterpillars do not build any type of tent.
Are you seeing web-like tents in the fall? Most likely, these are Maryland’s native fall webworm. Like eastern tent caterpillars, their tents are ugly but this insect is generally harmless to people or trees.
Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) and boxelder bugs are two “true insect” species, in the Hemiptera family, that are often found congregating on trees or on houses.
Brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB) is an invasive stink bug native to East Asia. It feeds on a wide range of agricultural crops on landscaping plants. BMSB was introduced to the mid-Atlantic in the mid-1990s and rose to prominence when it caused severe damage to orchard crops and vineyards in 2009-2010. Residents typically encounter BMSB during fall and winter when the insects seek refuge in heated buildings for the cooler months. BMSB does not cause significant damage to landscaping trees. Home gardeners of vegetables, fruit, and flowers can find more details on controlling BMSB on the University of Maryland Extension website.
Boxelder bug is a native insect to the mid-Atlantic, often observed congregating on trees and in and around homes. They typically feed on boxelder trees, a common native species to Montgomery County, and the closely related silver and red maple species (two of our most common trees). Boxelder bugs do not cause significant damage to shade trees, but they frequently congregate on the sunny side of buildings and often enter homes to hibernate during cold weather. For more information on boxelder bug, please see the University of Maryland Extension website for more information.
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Stay with WTOP on air, online and on our news app for team coverage, live results and analyses of election night in Virginia. Listen live.From school boards to mayors and sheriffs, here is a break down of the unofficial results of local races across Virginia and in parts of Maryland.Leading candidates and referendums will be in bold.Live results for Virginia’s races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and House of Delegates races can be found here.To...
Stay with WTOP on air, online and on our news app for team coverage, live results and analyses of election night in Virginia. Listen live.
From school boards to mayors and sheriffs, here is a break down of the unofficial results of local races across Virginia and in parts of Maryland.
Leading candidates and referendums will be in bold.
Live results for Virginia’s races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and House of Delegates races can be found here.
To follow election results for Maryland, click here.
School Board (Vote for 1)
County Board (Voters rank up to three candidates in the order of their choice. One candidate will be elected.)
Mayor, Town of Culpeper (Vote for 1)
Member, Culpeper Town Council (Vote for no more than four)
Mayor, Town of Clifton (Vote for 1)
Mayor, Town of Vienna (Vote for 1)
Member Town Council, Town of Vienna (Vote no more than six)
Referendum
| (Public School Bonds Question): Shall Fairfax County, Virginia, contract a debt, borrow money, and issue capital improvement bonds in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $460,000,000 for the purposes of providing funds, in addition to funds from school bonds previously authorized, to finance, including reimbursement to the County for temporary financing for, the costs of school improvements, including acquiring, building, expanding, and renovating properties, including new sites, new buildings or additions, renovations and improvements to existing buildings, and furnishings and equipment, for the Fairfax County public school system? | Yes 70.74% No 29.26% |
Member Town Council, Remington Special Election
Commonwealth’s Attorney (Vote for 1)
Sheriff (Vote for 1)
Commissioner of Revenue (Vote for 1)
Treasurer
Sheriff (Vote for 1)
Commissioner of Revenue (Vote for 1)
Treasurer (Vote for 1)
City Council (Vote for no more than four)
School Board (Vote for no more than four)
Commissioner of Revenue (Vote for 1)
Treasurer (Vote for 1)
Dulles District, School Board (Vote for 1)
Member School Board, Algonkian District (Vote for 1)
Member School Board, Leesburg District (Vote for 1)
Member School Board, Broad Run District (Vote for 1)
Member School Board, Sterling District (Vote for 1)
Mayor, Town of Middleburg (Vote for 1)
Member Town Council, Town of Middleburg (Vote for no more than four)
Mayor, Town of Round Hill (Vote for 1)
Member Town Council, Town of Round Hill (Vote for no more than three)
Referendums
| (School Projects Question): Shall the County of Loudoun, Virginia contract a debt and issue its general obligation capital improvement bonds in the maximum principal amount of $75,620,000 to finance, in whole or in part, the design, construction, equipping and other costs of the Capital Renewal and Alteration and the Special Program / Academy Expansion; and the costs of other public school facilities as requested by the Loudoun County School Board? | Yes 65.08% No 34.92% |
| (Transportation Question): Shall the County of Loudoun, Virginia contract a debt and issue its general obligation capital improvement bonds in the maximum principal amount of $30,126,000 to finance, in whole or in part, the design, construction and other costs of improvements for Braddock Road Widening – Paul Vl Eastern Entrance to Loudoun County Parkway, Croson Lane Widening – Claiborne Parkway to Old Ryan Road, and Farmwell Road Intersections Improvements; and the costs of other public road and transportation projects approved in the County’s Capital Improvement Program? | Yes 73.85% No 26.15% |
| (Parks and Recreation and Public Safety Projects Question): Shall the County of Loudoun, Virginia contract a debt and issue its general obligation capital improvement bonds in the maximum principal amount of $32,631,000 to finance in whole or in part, the design, construction, equipping and other costs of the Cascades Library and Senior Center Complex Renovation, Linear Parks and Trails System, Sterling Neighborhood Park, and Fire and Rescue Station #02 / #14 – Purcellville Addition; and the costs of other public parks, recreational and community center and public safety projects approved in the County’s Capital Improvement Program? | Yes 67.70% No 32.30% |
Board of County Supervisors, Gainesville District (Vote for 1)
Member Town Council, Occoquan (Vote for 1)
Board of Supervisors, Hartwood District (Vote for 1)
School Board Member, Hartwood District (Vote for 1)
Board of Supervisors, Aquia District (Vote for 1)
School Board Member, Aquia District (Vote for 1)
Board of Supervisors, Falmouth District (Vote for 1)
School Board Member, Falmouth District (Vote for 1)
Board of Supervisors, Garrisonville District (Vote for 1)
School Board Member, Garrisonville District (Vote for 1)
In neighboring Maryland, residents in Annapolis, the City of Gaithersburg and Prince George’s County will also be heading to the voting booths to vote on city mayors and referendums, among other issues.
City of Greenbelt, Council member (Vote no more than 7)
City of Greenbelt, Referendums
| Do you approve of the City using Ranked Choice Voting for all City Council Member elections and amending the City Charter’s forty percent (40%) threshold criteria (Sec 31)? | Yes No |
| Should the Charter be amended to change Council terms from two years to four years? | Yes No |
| If four-year terms are approved, should Council Members be subject to Voter Recall Petitions during their terms in office? | Yes No |
City of Gaithersburg, Mayoral Candidates (Vote for 1)
Gaithersburg City Council Candidates (Vote for 2)
*Note: The below are preliminary results based only on day-of ballots. The city will hold a canvass Thursday, Nov. 6, to include provisional and mail-in ballots, as well as those placed in drop-off boxes.
Mayoral Candidates (Vote for 1)
Aldermanic Candidates, Ward 1 (Vote for 1)
Aldermanic Candidates, Ward 2 (Vote for 1)
Aldermanic Candidates, Ward 3 (Vote for 1)
Aldermanic Candidates, Ward 4 (Vote for 1)
Aldermanic Candidates, Ward 5 (Vote for 1)
Aldermanic Candidates, Ward 6 (Vote for 1)
Aldermanic Candidates, Ward 7 (Vote for 1)
Aldermanic Candidates, Ward 8 (Vote for 1)
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Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in local haunted history, seeking kid-friendly events or in search of a spooktacular party, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween in Montgomery County. Check out our list of 11 activities below.10:30 a.m. – noonOlney Library, 3500 Olney-Laytonsville Road, OlneyKids age 5 and younger, accompanied by an adult, can listen to a Halloween-themed storytime, parade in their costumes and then play with educational toys. The event is free.4 – 7 p....
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in local haunted history, seeking kid-friendly events or in search of a spooktacular party, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween in Montgomery County. Check out our list of 11 activities below.
10:30 a.m. – noonOlney Library, 3500 Olney-Laytonsville Road, Olney
Kids age 5 and younger, accompanied by an adult, can listen to a Halloween-themed storytime, parade in their costumes and then play with educational toys. The event is free.
4 – 7 p.m.Public Safety Headquarters, 100 Edison Park Drive, Gaithersburg
Kids can show off their costumes, enjoy candy treats and learn about fire prevention and community safety at this free event hosted by the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.
5 – 7 p.m.Bethesda Row, 7262 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda
A $5 ticket to Bethesda Row’s trick-or-treating includes a glow stick, treats from participating shops and restaurants, costumed characters and an entry to win a $100 Bethesda Row gift card. Proceeds from the event support Manna Food Center. Participants can also post on social media for a chance to win a prize.
4 – 8 p.m.The Woman’s Club of Chevy Chase, 7931 Connecticut Ave., Chevy Chase
This indoor haunted house, intended for ages 3 through 10, also offers an opportunity to make a craft in Artisans Alley, take photos with characters in the Hall of Portraits and roast s’mores over a fire pit. Timed entry tickets cost $20 for access to the Mystery Mansion haunted house, Hall of Portraits, Boneyard Bash and Artisan Alley, with food, drinks and s’mores kits available for additional purchase.
5 p.m. – midnightHip Flask Rooftop Bar, 7707 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda
DJ B Sharp takes the stage Friday night, DJ EMP Saturday night and Miss Molly Dazzle both nights with an LED show (8 to 10 p.m.) for this free Halloween party. Come in costume up and sip cocktails throughout the night.
6 – 10 p.m.Max’s Best Ice Cream, 7770 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda
For a sweet treat without the tricks, Max’s Best Ice Cream is giving away free candy, raffling 15 free scoops of ice cream until 8 p.m. and offering 10% off orders for customers wearing costumes. Halloween-themed cocktails for adults will be available for purchase.
8 p.m.BlackRock Center for the Arts, 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown
Drag queens Tula and Regina will perform a Halloween-themed show. Attendees are encouraged to dress in costume. Tickets cost $45, $36 for various BlackRock membership holders.
10 p.m. – 3 a.m.Bethesda Theater, 7719 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda
Celebrate Halloween with dancing, music and food. Music will be by rappers Adamn Killa and Father, and DJs Dylan Ali, Styles Bond, Tyra The Zombie and Stardust. General admission costs $25 to $35, and VIP packages cost $40 to $500.
7:30 p.m.The Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda
Strathmore presents an immersive viewing of the 1922 film Nosferatu, accompanied by musicians in Strathmore’s Artists in Residence program. Tickets cost $34.
7 – 10:30 p.m. start timesMarkoff’s Haunted Forest, 19120 Martinsburg Road, Dickerson
Markoff’s Haunted Forest features three spooky attractions: Markoff’s Midway, where guests can purchase food and drink; The Haunted Trail, a mile-long outdoor path with actors; and The Town, featuring a Western town haunted by zombies. The Town and Haunted Trail are recommended for age 12 and older. And in case you need a reminder that the actors are just wearing makeup, read Bethesda Magazine’s interview with the haunted forest’s makeup manager, Chris Knowles. Markoff’s Midway is free, The Haunted Trail costs $40-$50 per person and The Town costs $30-$35, depending on dynamic pricing.
Various timesLeech Woods, 11201 Bethesda Church Road, Damascus
Leech Woods is a historical site where the Hungarian immigrant Leech family lived in the 1790s. The family was mysteriously murdered and their store was robbed, and the Leech Woods haunted attractions are on the land of the Leech family’s homestead and store, according to local legend. The $50 tickets include a 30- minute walk through The Haunted Trail and a 20-minute ride and walk for the Horror Hayride. There are also individual tickets for each event: $30 for The Haunted Trail and $27 for the Horror Hayride. Both are recommended for age 12 and older.
10:30 a.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 11:30 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Saturdays; 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. SundaysThe Puppet Co., Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo
In this puppet show for ages 4 through 8, Jennie the cat goes through a journey of self-discovery after receiving a Halloween card that calls her a scary cat. The show features tricks and treats, audience interaction and original music. Run time is approximately 45 minutes. Tickets cost $16 for age 2 and older.
Bethesda Magazine contributed to this article.
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