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Losing a spouse often brings financial changes at a time when you are the least prepared to handle them. The Social Security survivor benefit exists to cushion that transition. Depending on the age your spouse first claimed, you will be entitled to up to 100% of your late spouse’s benefit. 

It is important to keep this in mind when deciding when to make claim your initial claim for Social Security benefits. The survivor benefit is calculated from the deceased spouse’s earnings record, and the amount depends on your age when you claim it. At […]

Almost 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, but less than 1 percent is available for human use. Of all the earth’s water, 97% is salt water found in oceans and seas. Water plays a big role in supporting our communities. Without water, there would be no local business or industry. Firefighting, municipal parks, golf courses, and public swimming pools all need lots of water. An array of pipes, canals, and pumping stations managed by our public water systems […]

If you receive a package you didn’t order, that may indicate a “brushing” scam or a more nefarious ‘Trojan Horse” attempt to steal your private information. Never scan any bar or QR code on or in the package. You may be giving access to all the information on your phone.  Be very skeptical of any “gift” included in the package, especially anything that might contain electronics that could record sound or signals. You may […]

Food insecurity does not take vacations! Help WUMCO Keep Food on Shelves 

Help your neighbors who are experiencing food insecurity!  Our local food pantry at WUMCO Help continues to see an unprecedented high demand for food assistance.  

WUMCO needs help to keep food on their shelves for their clients who are mostly area seniors and working-parent families who are food insecure. Anything is appreciated, but there are some particular needs. 

• Items for families with children […]
  

Very often we see the name of a street, park, or facility and have no idea for whom they were named.  If you have ever been to, or driven by the Western County Swimming Pool, you may have wondered about the name and why the pool was named for Sarah Auer. 

Sarah E. Auer was a dedicated swim coach from Poolesville, Maryland, whose passion for mentoring young swimmers left a lasting impact on the Montgomery County swimming community. […]

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and Maryland’s Best are proud to celebrate 2026: The International Year of the Woman Farmer. They are seeking to honor the resilience, innovation, and leadership of women who are the backbone of our state’s agricultural industry.  

Data from the Farm and Agriculture Organization shows that women make up about 40% of the global agrifood workforce, yet rural women face disproportionate barriers. Closing these gaps could raise global GDP […]

Maryland continues to remain under a drought condition as persistent rainfall deficits continue to affect groundwater supplies. The Montgomery Council of Governments has declared a regional drought watch. Mandatory restrictions have not been put in place, but residents, especially those on private wells, are encouraged to use water wisely. 

Unlike rivers and streams, groundwater recharges slowly. Even after heavy rain, it can take weeks or months for water to infiltrate the soil and replenish aquifers. […]

Celebrate July Ice Cream Month by following the Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail . In its 14th year, the trail highlights Maryland’s dairy industry and locally made ice cream through September 7. Featuring on-farm creameries, farms with ice cream, and retail locations that use local milk, consumers are encouraged to visit participating locations to learn more about the dairy industry.  

To enhance the experience, Maryland’s Best partnered with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to highlight […]

Established in 1911, Maryland Legal Aid is a statewide, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) law firm that advocates with and for Marylanders experiencing poverty to achieve equity and social justice through free civil legal services, community collaboration, and systemic change. From its 12 offices around the state and through its many community-based clinics, Maryland Legal Aid helps its clients preserve and access safe and affordable housing; maintain custody of their children and be safe from domestic violence; […]

The end of Poolesville Seniors’ fiscal year is also an end to an important defining era in Poolesville Seniors history. During our recent Board of Director’s Retreat our outgoing Treasurer, Rich Norwood, received a much-deserved tribute for his outstanding volunteer service. 

Rich came to Poolesville Seniors after his illustrious career, as first a Revenue Agent for the IRS, and then 27 years as a high-level auditor in the Veterans Affairs Inspector General’s office. […]