11th Annual ‘Harvest Moon Festival’ Will Fill Downtown Silver Spring with Arts, Entertainment and Exhibitors on Sunday, Sept. 22

The free 11th Annual “Harvest Moon Festival” will fill Downtown Silver Spring with arts, entertainment and exhibitors from 1-7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22. The music on the Veterans Plaza stage will range from Irish dance to New Orleans brass.

Veterans Plaza is located at 1 Veterans Pl. in Downtown Silver Spring.

The eclectic lineup of music starts with The Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance at 1 p.m. It will be followed by Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra (2 p.m.), Hālau Nohona Hawai’I (3 p.m.) and the Crush Funk Brass Band (4 p.m.). The Silver Spring Flow Arts (5:30 p.m.) will take over with its creative movement and light show.

The event, which is presented by Silver Spring Town Center, Inc., will have art exhibitions and activities for kids.

For more information, go to https://www.silverspringtowncenter.com/.

County Executive Elrich to Hold Next in Series of 11 ‘Community Conversations’ to Seek Input on Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget on Monday, Sept. 30, in Germantown

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, along with the County’s regional services offices and community partners, is hosting 11 "Community Conversations" throughout September and October to seek input on the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Operating Budget. Five of the 11 forums will be dedicated to addressing the needs of each region of the County. The next regional conversation will be for the UpCounty, from 7:30-9 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 30, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown.

The BlackRock Center for the Arts is located at 12901 Town Commons Dr. in Germantown.

Future regional forums will include one on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at the Silver Spring Civic Building in Silver Spring.

Nine of the 11 conversations will be conducted in English, including one focusing on issues for older adults and another focusing on issues of importance to Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) members. Two non-English language forums will be held, one in Spanish and another in Chinese. Each of the 11 forums will be held online so the public has the option to participate remotely.

The County is in the early stages of formulating the FY26 operating budget. County Executive Elrich is required to submit a recommended budget to the County Council by March 15, 2025. The Council then will have two months to review the budget. It must adopt a final budget no later than June 1. The FY26 operating budget will go into effect on July 1.

“We hold these community conversations to give people a chance to be heard because their voice matters,” said County Executive Elrich. “Their insight helps drive our decisions and our priorities for the next fiscal year. The budget reflects not only the County’s needs and concerns but also our community’s values and goals. I encourage every resident to participate in these conversations because their voice shapes our path forward. When I started my administration, we started with five community conversations; since then, we have more than doubled the number of sessions to 11. I am glad that we are providing more opportunities to reach diverse communities within the County.”

The next four regional Community Conversations are scheduled as follows:

• UpCounty Community Conversation. Monday, Sept. 30. 7:30-9 p.m. BlackRock Center for the Arts, 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown. Click here to view online.
• Silver Spring Community Conversation. Wednesday, Oct. 16. 7-8:30 p.m. Silver Spring Civic Center Building, 1 Veterans Place, Buffalo Soldiers Great Hall, Silver Spring. Click here to view online.

The Community Conversations will be livestreamed on YouTube, and televised live on the following cable channels, subject to channel availability:

• County Cable Montgomery (CCM): Comcast channels 6 and HD 996; RCN channels 6 and HD 1056; and Verizon channel 30
• Montgomery College Television (MCTV): Comcast channels 998 and 10; Verizon channels 10; and RCN channels 10 and HD 1059
• Montgomery County Public School (MCPS TV): Comcast channels 34 and HD 1071; Verizon channel 36; RCN channels 89 and HD 1058
• Montgomery Community Media (MCM): Comcast channels 21 and HD 995; RCN channels 21 and HD 1055; and Verizon channel 21
• Montgomery Municipal Channel (MMC): Comcast channels 16 and HD 997; RCN channel 16; and Verizon channel 16
• Takoma Park City TV: Comcast channel 13; RCN channels 13 and HD 1060; and Verizon channel 28

Montgomery County will provide sign language interpreters and other auxiliary aids or services upon request -- with as much advance notice as possible, preferably at least three business days before the event. For more information, contact Mark Roper at 240-962-1743 or send a request to mark.roper@montgomerycountymd.gov. In all situations, a good-faith effort (up until the time of the event) will be made to provide accommodations. TTY users can use Maryland Relay 711.

Celebration of ‘National Hispanic Heritage Month’ Continues Through Oct. 15; Festival and Health Fair ‘Ama tu Vida, Ama tu Herencia’ Will Be Sunday, Oct. 6

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich will join in several special events as the County celebrates “National Hispanic Heritage Month” from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. The events will recognize Latinos and Hispanic immigrants making important contributions to their communities.

National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the history, culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States. According to the 2020 Census, the Latino population in Montgomery County increased by 31.4 percent since 2010, making Hispanics or Latinos 20.5 percent (217,409) of the County’s total population.

“As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our Hispanic and Latino communities to the rich diversity of our county,” said County Executive Elrich. “The County’s inaugural Hispanic Heritage Month Festival and Health Fair—Ama tu Vida, Ama tu Herencia—is a celebration of culture, and an opportunity to promote health and well-being in our community. Through initiatives like the Latino Health Initiative, the County aims to encourage healthy living and community engagement . I invite everyone to join us in honoring heritage, embracing wellness, and fostering a sense of unity and pride in all that we share.”

Events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month will include:

• Sept. 15-Oct. 15: A social media campaign recognizing several Hispanic County employees.
• Sept. 26: Announcement of the County’s “Hablemos Español” pilot program in collaboration with Montgomery College.
• Oct. 6: “Ama Tu Vida, Ama Tu Herencia Festival and Health Fair” in Wheaton.
• Oct. 11: County Executive Elrich will visit Latino-owned Upcounty businesses to highlight the Latino small business community.

The Hispanic Heritage Month Festival and Health Fair –Ama Tu Vida, Ama Tu Herencia—will take place from noon-5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6, at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Wheaton.

The free event will showcase local vendors offering authentic Latin American cuisine, handcrafted artisanal jewelry, traditional crafts, folklore items celebrating Hispanic Heritage, live music and performances, and Barrios Mágicos kids space offering piñata-making, face painting and hands-on crafts using recyclable materials.

The health fair is in collaboration with the County’s Latino Health Initiative. There will be health screenings, including HIV/Syphilis and oral health screenings provided by the County’s Department of Health and Human Services Dental Clinic, information on health resources and a Zumba class. For additional information, visit https://youtu.be/X5WyuMNedNM.

Live music and performances at Hispanic Heritage Month Festival and Health Fair will include Latin pop, Afro-Latino beats, salsa and cultural dances culminating with la “Hora Loca” parade:

• Noon-1 p.m. Luis Garay
• 1-1:30 p.m. Traditional Dance
• 1:30-2:30 p.m. Ocho de Bastos
• 2:30-3 p.m. Albert Einstein High School Titanes Salseros
• 3-4 p.m. Pepe González
• 4-5 p.m. Hora Loca (Carnival Hour)

The Hispanic Heritage Month Festival and Health Fair is a collaboration of Montgomery County Government, the Wheaton Urban District, the Latino Health Initiative, Maryland Physicians Care and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

To learn more about the County’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, including a complete schedule of events and how to participate, visit https://www.lhiinfo.org/hhm24/.

Residents Can Participate in 2024 Resident Survey Regarding Quality of Life and Services in County Through Sept. 30

The County's 2024 online resident survey is now accessible on the County’s website. It aims to gather feedback on local government services and the perception of overall quality of life in the County. The survey will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 30.

The survey is open to any resident 18-and-over. To participate, access the survey here.

"Listening to our residents is key to delivering the services they need and expect,” said County Executive Elrich. “This survey gives people across the County an opportunity to share their experiences and tell us what is working, where we can improve and what matters most to them. Whether it is the quality of our services, how we communicate, or the everyday experience of living in Montgomery County, we want to hear from you. Your feedback is essential in helping us make informed decisions that benefit the entire community. I encourage everyone to take the time to participate. Together, we can continue to improve the quality of life in our County."

The survey questions ask about the following issues:

• Quality of life of neighborhood/community
• Favorability of County services
• Usage of amenities and facilities
• Participation in County programs
• Customer and constituent service of County employees
• Effectiveness of County communications
• Household practices (such as recycling)

To ensure a diverse and representative sample, the survey has been sent to 5,000 randomly selected households, with instructions available in English, Spanish, Chinese, French, Korean, Vietnamese, Persian/Farsi and Amharic. In addition, all residents are welcome and encouraged to participate by completing the online version.

The survey plays a crucial role in improving customer service, promoting transparency and gathering feedback that informs budgetary and policy decisions. These insights help deliver effective and efficient government services. To view the results of the most recent Community Survey, conducted in 2021, visit this page.

Annual Thanksgiving Parade on Saturday, Nov. 16, in Silver Spring Has Openings for Additional Participants

Montgomery County is seeking colorful performing units and creative groups to march in the annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade, which will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at noon on Saturday, Nov. 16, in Silver Spring. This event is the only Thanksgiving parade in the Washington metropolitan area.

Application submissions to join the parade are due at 11:59 on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Participation is free. The application and additional information about the parade are available here. The parade will take place rain or shine.

“The Thanksgiving Parade in Silver Spring is a long-standing Montgomery County tradition that brings together residents from across our community to celebrate the holiday season and our diversity,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Whether you are a performer, an artist or part of a creative group, this is your opportunity to showcase your talents to thousands of spectators. I encourage everyone to consider participating and help make this year’s parade the most memorable yet.”

The parade traditionally kicks off the holiday season in the Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District. The procession begins at Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street, moves south on Georgia Avenue, and concludes at the intersection of Silver Spring Avenue and Georgia Avenue. Thousands of spectators attend each year.

Parade highlights include giant inflatable turkeys and penguins, sparkling floats, marching bands, lively dance troupes and Santa and his elves.

Thanksgiving or holiday-themed units are encouraged to apply, as well as marching bands, multicultural groups, majorettes and baton twirlers, artists, clowns, dance and gymnastic troupes, floats, sports teams, costumed characters, beauty queens, classic car clubs and other creative displays.

‘Active Aging Week’ Celebration Will Have Free Programs for Individuals 50 and Over from Monday, Sept. 30, Through Sunday, Oct. 7

Montgomery County will join in the celebration of “Active Aging Week” (AAW) from Monday, Sept. 30, through Sunday, Oct. 6, as part of an international effort to highlight the benefits of maintaining healthy, active lifestyles—physically, mentally and socially—for older adults. During the week, various free programs, events and activities for residents 50 and over will take place throughout the County.

“Active Aging Week is a reminder that staying active—physically, mentally and socially—is key to a healthy and fulfilling life at any age,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Montgomery County is committed to supporting our older adults with programs that encourage movement, creativity and connection. I encourage our older residents to participate in Active Aging Week events and activities.”

County departments and agencies, including Health and Human Services, Environmental Protection, Recreation, Montgomery Parks and Public Libraries, are co-sponsoring the events in partnership with local community organizations, nonprofits and hospitals.

A full calendar of events, including dates, times and locations, is available on the County’s website.

Montgomery County’s AAW was recognized with a National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award in 2022.

‘Speak Up, Save a Life’ Student Video Contest Accepting Entries About Dangers of Drug Use Through Nov. 8

The State’s Attorney’s Office’s Second “Speak Up, Save a Life” Student Video PSA Contest is now open and accepting entries. The short videos must focus on the dangers of using drugs, opioids and fentanyl. The top prize in the contest will be $1,000.

The contest is open to any high school or middle school student living in Montgomery County. Producers of the second-place video will win $750. The third place and fan favorite video producers will win $500. Montgomery County Public Schools students can earn 10 Student Service Learning hours by participating.

Entries must be submitted by Nov. 8.

The contest is part of the State’s Attorney’s Office

’s “Speak Up, Save a Life” program, whose goal is to spread awareness about the dangers of drug use.

More information about the contest, including the guidelines and how to enter, can be found at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/SAO/other/speakup.html

Montgomery County Public Schools and the Montgomery County Council of PTAs are partnering with the State’s Attorney’s Office on the contest.

The contest’s prize sponsor is Magnolia Companies, in honor of Matthew Loudon and Michael Pisarra, two young Montgomery County residents who lives were lost to fentanyl.

Youth Basketball Registration Begins Monday, Sept. 30

Registration for Montgomery County Recreation’s youth basketball programs will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 30. The program fosters the development of basketball fundamentals while also advancing skills in discipline, friendship, sportsmanship and teamwork.

“Youth sports serve as an incredible outlet for both competition and teaching life lessons,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Our Recreation department does a great job in creating leagues and programs that are both affordable and fun, to allow all of our young athletes in Montgomery County to get in the game and participate.”

Learn more about our basketball programs by visiting the website. Online registration will be available at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org. Registration is also available in person and by mail. If you have additional questions about registration, call Montgomery Recreation at 240-777-6840 or visit any recreation facility.

Montgomery Recreation also is looking for adult volunteers to coach youth basketball. Volunteers with knowledge of basketball rules who demonstrate good character, patience and have a desire to help children learn are preferred. If interested, email rec.sports@montgomerycountymd.gov.

‘History of Reed Brothers Dodge’ in Rockville Will Be Subject of Free Montgomery History Virtual Presentation on Tuesday, Sept. 24

Reed Brothers Dodge was one of the longest running automobile dealerships in Montgomery County history, operating from two locations in Rockville for more than 97 years. A free virtual presentation at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24, from Montgomery History will look at how the former company overcame inevitable changes and challenges throughout almost a century of being in business.

The presentation, which will be led by Jeanne Gartner, will feature historical photographs taken by the dealership’s founder, Lewis Reed, and will highlight how Reed Brothers Dodge came into being. The company dated to World War I, lasted through the Great Depression and World War II, and survived economic recessions and numerous Chrysler financial setbacks during the 1970s and 80s. The business rose and fell with the tides of the auto industry and stood the test of time.

To register and join the session via Zoom, go to Webinar Registration - Zoom.

Unused Bikes Will Go to Good Use If Donated to Department of Transportation’s Annual Bike Donation Event, Friday, Oct. 11

The end of summer is often the time homeowners do major cleanups of garages and basements. Often, they find bicycles that need a new home. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is asking for residents to donate bikes to make a difference in their local community.

MCDOT’s annual bike collection event will be held from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, during Community Service Month. The event will collect child and adult bikes and bike parts outside of the County Council Office Building Garage, which is located at the intersection of East Jefferson and Monroe streets in Rockville. Used bike helmets will not be collected.

Donated bikes will be distributed to residents in need through the MCDOT's Bike Match MoCo program after being cleaned up by volunteers from the nonprofit Rockville Bike Hub. Some of the children’s bikes will also be distributed through Rockville's Terrific Kids program and older bikes are donated to Bikes for The World.

Six previous bike donation events have resulted in 1,374 bicycles collected. Last year, 290 bikes were collected—a considerable increase from the 120 collected in the event’s first year in 2017.

Residents can also make monetary donations (by check) to the Rockville Bike Hub during the bicycle collection event. The funds will be used to purchase new bike helmets and parts to repair the bikes.

For more information about the event, send an email to paul.gatons@montgomerycountymd.gov.