Thank You Montgomery County, MD

When graffiti was spray painted over a road sign and on the new wooden fence shielding the portable toilet in the park, neighbors called county agencies–and they responded quickly. A new sign went up, and the spray paint was removed from the wood, all within 48 hours.

A quick response to vandalism lets the perpetrator know that the neighbors are watching; neighbors care about their community; and they will coordinate with authorities to find the perpetrator and prevent further damage. The nearby elementary school will open its doors soon to returning students, and now the children look upon a "welcoming landscape" as they walk to school.

Neighbors in the Quail Valley and Cross Country communities appreciate the efforts of Montgomery County's Department of Transportation, Parks Department, Park Police, County Police, and any others who helped with the response.

"When you see something, say something." That was the first step toward getting this damage repaired. Talk to your neighbors. Use your cell phone. To conclude, here are a few useful phone numbers that we can tape to the kitchen refrigerator and enter into our cell phones.

County Services of All Types (e.g., get a new recycle bin): 311
311 is a great service. They will help you find the right agency, and often connect you right away.

Police Non-Emergency ( e.g., illegally parked car; graffiti): 301-279-8000

Mental Health Crisis Response Team: 988

Emergency (e.g., fire; theft; assault): 911

Comments and suggestions to this short news report are welcome.

** ******************************** **
Steven Sellers Lapham is a 21-year resident of Quail Valley.