September 29, 2023

Message from the County Executive

 

Dear Friends,

Montgomery County is home to tens of thousands of Federal government workers and so the threat of a Federal shutdown feels very close for many residents. For some of our Federal employee families, losing just one paycheck may create a family crisis.

I invited Congressman Jamie Raskin to join me for my weekly media briefing to talk about the situation. He gave some background and an update on the current situation. He explained that all active Federal employees will be paid eventually, even if there is a shutdown. However, that is not true for the many contractors whose livelihoods are intimately connected to the Federal government. As I said at the press briefing, I so appreciate Congressman Raskin’s effort in this moment and generally. He and his staff continue to be great partners in matters large and small.

The worst government shutdown came soon after I first became County Executive in late 2018/early 2019 when 38 percent of the Federal workforce was out of work for more than a month. I remember the stress it put on our residents, businesses and even our own government operation. If a shutdown happens, it is important to note that veterans benefits, healthcare plans and Social Security payments will generally continue uninterrupted, but some additional services from the Veterans Administration and elsewhere may not be available. Other services like customs and air traffic control will continue, but those employees will be working without pay (although they eventually will be reimbursed). Federal employees can get more information from the Office of Personnel Management.

Let’s be clear: a small group of Republicans is responsible for this impasse. Congressman Raskin believes it could be tied to efforts by former President Trump to create chaos and stop Federal investigations against him. The former President remains all too happy to place himself at the center above everyone else.

A shutdown could jeopardize important safety-net programs. As the Agriculture Secretary told the New York Times this week, “If we have a shutdown, WIC shuts down.” WIC stands for Women, Infants and Children and provides healthy food for pregnant and new mothers and children under age 5. In 2021, an average of more than 16,000 children and nearly 13,000 women in Montgomery County participated in WIC. Based on census data estimates, there are more than 65,000 children under age 6 who could be enrolled in WIC. Congressman Raskin and others noted that the Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food for low-income families, could quickly run out of funds and also become unavailable. We have multiple food assistance programs and we will do what we can to help out, but we will not be able to replace the Federal resources.  

In previous shutdowns, Federal research labs have had to shutter important work, which could impact some of the companies that have made Montgomery County one of the top life sciences hubs in the nation. Congressman Raskin told us that NIH will suspend new clinical trials during a shutdown. These trials lead to important medical advancements and draw people to our area from all over the country looking for hope in their health struggles.

The fight over this shutdown stems from Republican efforts to destroy important Federal programs that make a meaningful difference in peoples’ lives. They are insisting on budget provisions that are indefensible.

One Republican proposal is to cut Title 1 funding by 82 percent. What does that mean for Montgomery County? Our school system currently receives about $51 million in Title I, which goes to 35 of our schools serving our most-impacted students and communities. This funds about 300 teachers and staff in Title I schools, including full-day Head Start programs. Given the children who benefit from this funding, their attack on this is nothing less than a racist cynical maneuver to continue the inequality that is the legacy of slavery.

Slashing Federal funding would cut MCPS’s allocation by $42 million to just $9 million and would reduce the critical supports our Title I schools receive. This money funds Title I summer programing, academic interventions, social emotional supports and other direct services to students.

This is absurd, mean-spirited and bad for the nation.

We hope that saner minds will prevail and convince enough Republicans to do what is right for our country and avoid unnecessary damage to our communities, families and quality of life.

To keep up to date with federal shutdown contingency plan developed by each department, visit this website for details on contingency plans for each department of the government.

Safe Streets Bill Signing 



I signed the “Safe Streets Act of 2023” this week. It will add new measures to help protect people on our roads and sidewalks.

So far in 2023, 11 people have been killed on roads across Montgomery County compared to 19 last year. While it is positive that there are fewer as compared to last year, those are still too many. More than 400 pedestrians and cyclists have suffered serious injuries this year.

The bill codifies some current practices, including safety reviews and adjusting walk signs so pedestrians are given a head start on walking before drivers are allowed to go. It also bans right turns at red lights at certain intersections. The law will also require my office to develop a plan to enhance speed camera enforcement, but that will require State legislation.

In addition to signing this bill into law, I also sent over a supplemental budget item to fund the anticipated $1.6 million first-year costs tied to the Safe Streets Act.

It is shocking to see how some people drive today, from blowing through stop signs to speeding around other drivers following the speed limit. The sad thing is, if people would just follow the law and keep safety as the top priority, our government would not have to spend so much of our limited resources on traffic enforcement.

We are expending significant resources to implementing Vision Zero, our pedestrian safety plan. In the end, though, it will take commitment from everyone who uses the road to make them safer for everyone.

The most important thing you can do to help our efforts is to follow the rules of the road, stay away from distracted driving/walking and help us keep you and everyone in your community safe.

For more information on our Safe Streets and Vision Zero efforts, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/visionzero.

Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Phaseout



The County Council this week passed Bill 18-22, Noise Control – Leaf Removal Equipment, which will phase out the sale and use of gas-powered leaf blowers and leaf vacuums. Gas-powered leaf blowers will not be permitted to be sold in the County beginning in July 2024, and their use will not be permitted beginning in July of 2025.

I proposed this bill more than a year ago and I appreciate the Council’s near unanimous support (the bill was approved by a 10-1 vote).

This law is important because we need to acknowledge and address the negative impacts of gas-powered leaf blowers. The transitioning away from gas-powered leaf blowers is beneficial for our communities and helps protect workers. The new regulations will limit noise from leaf blowers and vacuums to 70 decibels at a distance of 50 feet.

I want to thank the many residents who advocated tirelessly for this legislation. We had more than 7,000 residents petition us for this legislation.

The law also authorizes a rebate program to partially offset the cost of replacing gas-powered leaf blowers or leaf vacuums with electric alternatives. Agricultural producers will be exempt from the law and not required to replace their equipment. Our Department of Environmental Protection is developing the rebate program. As part of that process, DEP will engage with local businesses, industry and community members. The rebate program will be presented to the Council for its review and approval by next March. We will keep you updated on the progress of implementing this legislation.

Drug Affordability Update 


The rising cost of prescription drugs continues to be a burden on many families here in Montgomery County, across Maryland and the nation. In fact, just in the last two years with record inflation, prices for more than 1,200 drugs increased above inflation. Unless we do something, those prices will continue to skyrocket. This is why I have been working with advocates to put measures in place to bring down the cost of these essential medicines.

On Tuesday, I joined Maryland State Senator Ben Kramer and Delegates Bonnie Cullison, Charlotte Crutchfield and Vaughn Stewart at Leisure World for an update on the Prescription Drug Affordability Board. I supported the creation of this board. Maryland is ahead of the curve nationally on implementing this new model of regulation.

Despite our success of creating a board, we still have work to do to give it more power and the ability to better regulate the prescription drug market in our State. As other states see how our efforts are working, they can be inspired to create their own boards and join the fight.

The week’s meeting at Leisure World was organized by the Maryland Health Care for All coalition. This discussion reminded me of the impact drug price increases and healthcare company disputes have on families.

One woman who was diagnosed with diabetes said that her insurance company no longer covered a glucose monitoring technology that is now costing her $80 per month. Many of our residents who need these drugs the most also are most likely to be on fixed incomes, such as our older adult population. We know one-in-three Marylanders report not taking their medication as prescribed because they are too expensive.

Pricey drugs are also driving up insurance premiums overall. And that affects operating costs for both businesses in the private sector and for the public sector.

Negotiated prices by Medicare on drugs will not take effect for another three years, but we can apply pressure now to help those struggling with expensive medications. We need to continue to push more aggressive legislation from the State General Assembly and at the Federal level.

These drug companies are getting away with focusing more on the bottom-line of their shareholders as compared to focusing on healing and improving peoples’ health. Exploiting those who are sick and in need of their medicines ought to be criminal behavior.  

In Maryland, our goal is to expand the authority of this board to cover everybody, not just State and local government employees. This coalition is going to make this a priority during the upcoming session, and I will join them. Besides helping those in need, we also must regulate big pharmaceutical companies limiting excessive profits. Drug companies will not be driven out of business, and no one is talking about preventing corporations from profiting, but greed helped fuel our nation’s opioid crisis. Greed is not good for anyone’s health.

We have been fighting this battle too long. It is moving too slowly, and it is time to stop accepting the status quo. For low-income people, people on limited and fixed incomes, like Social Security, their ability to purchase drugs never rises with inflation, much less the inflated drug prices some companies expect everyone to pay.

If you would like to help join the fight to end inequalities in prescription medicine, go to the Maryland Health Care for All website and take action by supporting the Prescription Drug Affordability Resolution.

Community Health Update 



New COVID-19 vaccines have started to arrive in our area, including our first shipment to the County’s Department of Health and Human Services. Shots are recommended for all adults and children older than 6 months, even for those who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine before.

Unlike the first several rounds of vacinations, local governments will be getting limited supplies of vaccine that will be earmarked for those who are uninsured. Find out what local pharmacies and retailers are offering vaccinations at vaccines.gov or by calling 1-800-232-0233. Getting an appointment will take some patience. You should also check with your regular pharmacy or health care provider as many are receiving vaccines as well, in case they are not listed on the government website.

Vaccines should be covered by your health insurance, but be sure to check on the specifics of your coverage.  Some plans, such as Kaiser Permanente, require policy holders to get vaccinated at a Kaiser facility. I also want to encourage everyone to take advantage of the returning government program to receive free COVID-19 test kits through the mail. Order those by visiting covid.gov/tests.  

We will continue to provide test kits at libraries, but we recommend you check with your library first because we are seeing a lot of demand for the kits. There are times when a specific branch runs out of test kits. We will continue to request more test kits through the Maryland Department of Health. An order was just made this week.

As far as this week’s cases count, transmission levels and hospitalizations are not much different than last week. We continue to be in the “low” community transmission category. However, as we have clearly seen over the last several years, when we transition to more indoor activities because of cooler weather cases, tend to go up.

Please get this new booster and an annual flu shot as well. If you are 60 and older or have a compromised immune system, getting the RSV vaccine is also recommended.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich
County Executive

September 27, 2023

Four Free COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits Now Available by Mail

Four Free COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits Now Available by Mail

Every U.S. household can place an order to receive four free COVID-⁠19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home from the U.S. Government.

A simple application to receive the tests is available COVIDTests.gov

Residents needing assistance to place an order can call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).

The U.S. government will continue to make COVID-⁠19 tests available to uninsured individuals and underserved communities through existing outreach programs. Contact a HRSA health center, Test to Treat site or ICATT location to learn how to access low- or no-cost COVID-⁠19 tests provided by the Federal Government.

Most Montgomery County Public Libraries also are distributing free test kits provided by the County. Check with your local library to see if it has test kits available. 

‘Walk and Roll to School Day’ on Wednesday, Oct. 4, Will Include Special Event at Brooke Grove Elementary School in Olney

‘Walk and Roll to School Day’ on Wednesday, Oct. 4, Will Include Special Event at Brooke Grove Elementary School in Olney

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School program, which encourages students who have a safe path and live near their elementary school to walk to school, will join in the national recognition of “Walk and Roll to School Day” on Wednesday, Oct. 4. Most County elementary schools will participate, with a special event starting at 8:15 a.m. that day at Brooke Grove Elementary School in Olney.

Brooke Grove Elementary School is located at 2700 Spartan Road in Olney.

The event in Olney will begin with a short group walk with students from two different locations at 8:15 a.m.:
  • Prince Philip Drive and Spartan Drive
  • Old Baltimore Road and Fort William Drive
The walking groups, led by MCDOT’s Zeal the Safety Zebra and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue’s Sparky the Fire and Rescue Dog, will meet at the front of Brooke Grove Elementary School. The event will commence with fanfare including music, balloons, giveaways, police officers, firefighters and firetrucks. Students will be singing and carrying signs.

Expected to participate are Montgomery County Councilmemberss Gabe Albornoz and Dawn Luedtke, County Vision Zero Coordinator Wade Holland, firefighters from the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, officers from the Montgomery County Police and officers from the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Park Police.

Walk and Roll to School Day is an international event that involves communities from more than 40 countries walking and biking to school on the same day. It began in 1997 as a one-day event. Over time, it has become part of a movement for year-round, safe routes to school and a celebration each October. This year, thousands of schools from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico will participate.

County Executive Elrich’s Next ‘Community Conversation’ on Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget on Monday, Oct. 16, Will Focus on Priorities for PTA Organizations

County Executive Elrich’s Next ‘Community Conversation’ on Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget on Monday, Oct. 16, Will Focus on Priorities for PTA Organizations

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, along with the County’s regional services offices and community partners, is hosting a series of 10 “Community Conversations” from September through December to seek input on the Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget. The next conversation, from 7-8:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 16, at the County Executive Office Building in Rockville and viewable online, will focus on priority issues for Parent-Teacher Associations.

The Executive Office Building is located at 101 Monroe St. in Rockville. To view the meeting online, click here.

Seven of the 10 conversations will be conducted in English, including one focusing on issues for older residents and the one focusing on issues of importance to PTA organizations. For a County first, one of the forums will be conducted in Amharic (Oct. 18). Two other non-English language forums were on the schedule. The Sept. 21 forum was conducted in Spanish and the Nov. 27 forum will be in Chinese. A select number of Community Conversations will be held online so that residents have the option to participate remotely.

The County is in the early stages of formulating the FY25 operating budget. County Executive Elrich is required to submit a recommended budget to the County Council by March 15, 2024. The Council then will have two months to review the budget. It must adopt a final budget no later than June 1. The FY25 operating budget will go into effect on July 1.

“This year, we have increased the number of budget forums from eight to 10 to be even more inclusive,” said County Executive Elrich. “We hold these community conversations to give people a chance to be heard because their voice matters. Their insight helps drive our decisions and our priorities for the next fiscal year. The budget not only reflects the County’s needs and concerns, but our community’s values and goals. I encourage every resident to participate in these conversations because their voice shapes our path forward.”
  • PTA Community Conversation. Monday, Oct. 16. 7-8:30 p.m. Executive Office Building, Cafeteria, 101 Monroe St., Rockville. Click here to view online.
  • Amharic Language Community Conversation. Wednesday, Oct. 18. 7-8:30 p.m. Montgomery College – Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, 7600 Takoma Ave., Takoma Park.
  • Silver Spring Community Conversation. Monday, Nov. 13. 7-8:30 p.m. Silver Spring Civic Center Building, 1 Veterans Place, Spring Room, Silver Spring.
  • East County Community Conversation. Wednesday, Nov. 15. 7-8:30 p.m. White Oak Community Recreation Center, 1700 April Lane, Social Hall, Silver Spring. Click here to view online.
  • Chinese Language Community Conversation. Monday, Nov. 27. 7-8:30 p.m. Chinese Culture and Community Service Center, 9318 Gaither Road, Suite 215, Art Gallery, Gaithersburg. Hybrid (link to view online to be announced).
  • Seniors Community Conversation. Monday, Dec. 11. 2-3:30 p.m. Leisure World, Clubhouse 1, Crystal Ballroom, 3701 Rossmore Blvd., Silver Spring. Only Leisure World residents may participate in person. Click here to view online.
The Community Conversations will be televised live on the following cable channels:
  • County Cable Montgomery (CCM): Comcast channel 6 HD 996, RCN channel 6 and HD 1056 and Verizon channel 30
  • Montgomery College Television (MCTV): Comcast channels 998 & 10, Verizon 10 and RCN 1059 & 10 (Sept. 14 only)
  • Montgomery County Public School (MCPS TV): Comcast 34, Comcast HD 998, Verizon 36, RCN 89, RCN HD 1058
  • Montgomery Community Media (MCM): Comcast channel 21, HD 995, RCN 21 HD 1055, and Verizon 21
  • Montgomery Municipal Channel (MMC): Comcast channel 16 HD 997, RCN 16, Verizon 16
  • Takoma Park City TV: Comcast channel 13, RCN channel 13 HD 1060, and Verizon 28 (Sept. 21 and Nov. 13 only)
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 Karen Falcon at 240-777-6522 or send a request to Karen.Falcon@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.

Youth Basketball Registration Begins Monday, Oct. 2



Registration for Montgomery County Recreation’s youth basketball programs will open at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 2.

Online registration will be available at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org. Registration also will be available in person and by mail. If you have additional questions about registration, call Montgomery Recreation’s customer service team at 240-777-6840 or visit any Montgomery County Recreation facility.

Montgomery Recreation 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.

Montgomery County Recreation is still accepting applications for 2023 Rec Assist, which provides eligible County residents with an opportunity to receive a scholarship to use toward most programs including winter basketball.

Learn more about Montgomery Recreation’s basketball programs at the website.

‘Culinary Traditions of the Diáspora Latinoamericana’ Will Be Hosted Online by Restaurant Owner Omar Lazo on Monday, Oct. 2

‘Culinary Traditions of the Diáspora Latinoamericana’ Will Be Hosted Online by Restaurant Owner Omar Lazo on Monday, Oct. 2

The celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month will take a delicious turn from 7-8:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 2, when Silver Spring Town Center, Inc., presents the free online adventure Culinary Traditions of the Diáspora Latinoamericana. It will be hosted by Omar Lazo, owner of Los Chorros Restaurant in Wheaton. Community members representing the diversity of the Latin American Diaspora will join the program to share their own food memories and culinary traditions from across the Americas.

Mr. Lazo, a child of Salvadoran immigrants, is a graduate of the University of Maryland. With a diverse career, he's worked at the Department of Justice, in real estate and with family-owned restaurants. He is an active community member, serving as vice president of the Wheaton- Kensington Chamber of Commerce, trustee at Montgomery College and chair of workforce development for Montgomery County. He is dedicated to educational equity and small business advocacy. He is a founding member of the Montgomery County Latino Restaurant Association.

Los Chorros Restaurant was founded in 1989. It was the first Salvadoran restaurant in Montgomery County. Los Chorros has been a major part of the Wheaton Community for 35 years.

Registration is required to view the Zoom presentation. To register, go to Meeting Registration - Zoom.

Free Days of Fun Will Be Available for Students at Community Recreation Centers When School is Not in Session



Montgomery County Recreation, in partnership with the Montgomery County Public Schools Out of School Time (OST) program, will offer free out-of-school programming for students throughout the 2023-24 school year.

Kids Day Out for elementary school students and the Teens Day Out program for middle school students ages 11-14 are free to County residents through a partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools OST.

Each day of programming takes place from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Students should make sure to bring lunch.

Kids Day Out will be filled with fun, supervised activities, planned with an emphasis on kid-friendly, healthy recreation. Programs will take place at various locations across the County beginning Monday, Oct. 9. Locations will include:
The Teens Day Out program will be a day filled with fun, including field trips and other special activities. Teens Day Out will be offered at East County Community Recreation Center, Plum Gar Community Recreation Center, Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center* and Wheaton Community Recreation Center. *April dates only

Registration is available at ActiveMontgomery.org. Search activity number R05113 for Kids Day Out and R09017 for Teens Day Out. For more information or for help with registration, contact the customer service team at 240-777-6840.

Commission for Women Sponsoring Free Programs on ‘Financial Wellness’ and ‘Separation and Divorce: What Do I Need to Know?’



The Montgomery County Commission for Women is sponsoring two free programs that can help residents get themselves better organized. A series of “Financial Health and Wellness Seminars” will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 10. Seminars on “Separation and Divorce: What Do I Need to Know?” will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 4.

The virtual financial seminars will cover many aspects of becoming more financially organized.

The Commission for Women is joining with Montgomery County Public Libraries to offer the seminars, which will be led by Jamie Lapin, a private wealth advisor and president of RMG Advisors, LLC, and Thiago Glieger, a private wealth advisor and Federal retirement specialist.

The seminars will take place via Zoom from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings. To register for any seminar, go to Fall 2023 Financial Health and Wellness Seminars Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite. The link to the Zoom meeting will be provided after registering.

The schedule for the financial seminars:
  • Tuesday, Oct. 10: Financial Planning 101. Learn the basics of financial planning and terms and tools to equip yourself with the knowledge needed to succeed financially.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 17: Retirement Planning. Running out of money before running out of time is most people’s biggest concern. The seminar will address how to maximize your understanding of resources and autonomy.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 24: Social Security and Medicare. Learn how to utilize and maximize the government programs you have invested in for your working lifetime.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 7: Divorce and Money. Divorce is a strain on finances and on nerves. This seminar will address the financial realities that could come with divorce.
The online series on “Separation and Divorce: What Do I Need to Know?” will cover the "ins and outs" of separation and divorce in Maryland.

The seminars will be held on from 7-8:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month through June, with the first seminar on Oct. 4. To register for any seminar, go to Separation and Divorce: What Do I Need To Know? Tickets, Wed, Oct 4, 2023 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite. Zoom information will be provided after registering.

Local family law attorneys will lead the seminars on going through a separation and divorce in Maryland. The seminar topics will include Methods of Dispute Resolution, When and Where to File, Types of Divorce and Grounds, Financial Statements, Alimony, Property and Equitable Distribution, Role of the Attorney and Domestic Violence/Orders of Protection.

The schedule of seminars in the Separation and Divorce series:
  • Wednesday, Oct. 4
  • Wednesday, Nov. 1
  • Wednesday, Dec. 6
  • Wednesday, Jan. 3
  • Wednesday, Feb. 7
  • Wednesday, March 6
  • Wednesday, April 3
  • Wednesday, May 1
  • Wednesday, June 5

‘Old Time Music in Montgomery County: Will Adams and Beyond’ Will Be Presented Online by Montgomery History Starting Monday, Oct. 2

‘Old Time Music in Montgomery County: Will Adams and Beyond’ Will Be Presented Online by Montgomery History Starting Monday, Oct. 2

In joining the celebration of International Music Day on Oct. 1, Montgomery History will be making available its free online presentation “Old Time Music in Montgomery County: Will Adams and Beyond.” Jake Blount will lead the presentation, which will be available for a one-week period starting Monday, Oct. 2.

The presentation, which originated at the 2021 Montgomery County History Conference. goes in-depth in describing the fiddle and banjo traditions of the Montgomery County area throughout history. It includes special focus on the music of Will Adams, a Black fiddler from Kensington.

Topics in “Old Time Music in Montgomery County” include the early folk music of the Chesapeake Bay region and the modern bluegrass and old-time scenes that developed in Washington, D.C., Baltimore and the stretch in between.

Jake Blount, who is originally from Washington, D.C., is musician and writer. He specializes in the traditional music of African Americans. He is recognized for his skill as an old-time banjo player and fiddler.

To view the presentation, go to Events from October 9 - September 12 (montgomeryhistory.org).

‘Quimbao Latin Band’ Will Headline Wheaton TGIF Encore Free Friday Fall Concert on Sept. 29

‘The Nighthawks’ Will Headline Wheaton TGIF Encore Free Friday Fall Concert Series on Sept. 8

The energetic Quimbao Latin Band will headline the Wheaton TGIF Friday Encore fall concert series on Friday, Sept. 29, at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza, adjacent to the Wheaton Business Triangle and near the Wheaton Metro Station. The performance is part of a month of Friday concerts that join in the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed Sept. 15-Oct. 15.

The event will feature live artist demonstrations and beverages from Twin Valley Distillers. The TGIF party will begin on the plaza at 5 p.m. with a DJ set followed by a live concert at 6 p.m. Parking is available in the building at 2425 Reedie Dr.

Quimbao Latin Band was founded in 2000 by band leader, director, producer and pianist Oscar Perez, who is from Lima, Peru.

With more than 30 years in the music industry, Mr. Perez has performed with Peruvian bands such as Sarabanda, La Novel, Orquesta Saraguey and La Rebelion, among others. He has produced two records.

Mr. Perez has performed at various venues and events throughout New Jersey, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C.

The band’s genre includes Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Bachata, Cha Cha, Latin Jazz, Trio, Quartet and all Latin rhythms.

The TGIF Encore remaining lineup of outstanding music on Friday nights this fall will include:
  • Sept. 29: Quimbao
  • Oct. 6: Ocho de Bastos
  • Oct. 13: Verny Varela
For more information on the TGIF Encore concert series, go to https://www.wheatonmd.org/.

Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct, 7, Will Have Fun Fall Activities, Farm Animals and a Look at the County’s Farming History

Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct, 7, Will Have Fun Fall Activities, Farm Animals and a Look at the County’s Farming History

The 29th Annual Montgomery Parks Harvest Festival will be a day of fall activities and opportunities to meet farm animals up close. The festival will take place from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Montgomery County Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood.

The park is located at 18400 Muncaster Road in Derwood. The charge for entry will be $20 per car.

The Harvest Festival will be an opportunity to see the past, present and future of Montgomery County farming at the 455-acre park. It features rolling hills, open fields, an apple orchard and a variety of farm animals. The festival will provide the chance to get a unique perspective on the County’s rich farming heritage while visiting barns, historic buildings, a modern farming activity center and other facilities at the park.

The festival will include candle making, tin crafts, quilts, paint pumpkins and building scarecrows.

Animal enthusiasts will be able to meet heritage farm animals like cows, pigs, and chickens, and learn about how they were used on farms in the past and how they are cared for today.

There will be live music, storytelling and hayrides around the farmstead.

More information about the festival is available at Agricultural History Farm Park - Montgomery Parks.

Gaithersburg’s 30th Annual Free Oktoberfest on Sunday, Oct. 8, Will Feature German Food and Music, Local Beer and Entertainment

Gaithersburg’s 30th Annual Free Oktoberfest on Sunday, Oct. 8, Will Feature German Food and Music, Local Beer and Entertainment

The City of Gaithersburg’s 30th annual free celebration of Oktoberfest from noon-5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8, will provide an opportunity to experience a wide variety of German traditions, food, beer and entertainment.

The festival will take place in and around the Gaithersburg Arts Barn, Kentlands Mansion, Kentlands Village Green and along Main Street and Inspiration Lane. Admission and parking are free. Free wheelchair accessible shuttle service will run regularly during festival hours to and from satellite parking at 101 Orchard Ridge Dr., just off of Quince Orchard Road.

Octoberfest will include performances by the Alte Kameraden German Band and Alt-Washingtonia Bavarian Dancers. There will be opportunities to savor traditional festival food while enjoying selections from local breweries, including festival partners Dogfish Head Alehouse and Saints Row Brewing. There also will be beverages available for purchase from Clear Skies Meadery, Landmade Farm Brewery, Two Story Chimney Ciderworks, and Silly Yak Beer. Also available will be non-alcoholic beer by Sobar.

Fall festivities will include professional pumpkin carving and apple cider pressing demonstrations, fun inflatables, hands-on crafts, pumpkin and face painting, balloon twisting, bubbles, artists and crafters, family activities and strolling entertainers. There will be three stages of live entertainment featuring Sol Roots, La Unica, Donuts for Dinner and The Real Geniuses. The event will have a business expo and chances to explore restaurants and retail establishments within the Kentlands. Some activities have a nominal fee.

The wide area of the festival will require the temporary closing of several streets in the Kentlands. To see the full list of road closures, go to https://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation/special-events/oktoberfest.
 
Oktoberfest is sponsored in part by the Elaine Koch Group and The Maryland State Arts Council.

For more information, call 301-258-6350 or visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov.

Author Tony Medina to Join Montgomery County Public Libraries’ Contemporary Conversations Series on Oct. 11 in Celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month

Author Tony Medina to Join Montgomery County Public Libraries’ Contemporary Conversations Series on Oct. 11 in Celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with author Tony Medina as the featured speaker of its "Contemporary Conversations" from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11. Mr. Medina, a professor of creative writing at Howard University, will talk about the Latino identity/culture and his professional career journey during the free event at the Rockville Memorial Library.

The Rockville Memorial Library is located at 21 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. Registration is required to attend either the in-person event or to view it via live streaming. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/9182499.

“The Contemporary Conversations series provides a wonderful opportunity to listen and learn from knowledgeable and talented speakers and artists,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Fostering understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, including the rich contributions of the Hispanic community, is important. Our County’s public libraries have been steadfast in their mission to share these invaluable impacts with all residents through books, music, programs and events.”

Mr. Medina’s work has appeared in more than 100 anthologies and journals. He is the author/editor of 24 award-winning books for adults and young people including “Che Che Colé” (fiction); “Death, With Occasional Smiling” (poetry); “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Black Boy” (children’s); “I Am Alfonso Jones” (graphic novel); “Resisting Arrest: Poems to Stretch the Sky” (anthology). Mr. Medina’s novelette, “Porto Rock Pegasus” was recently nominated for a Pushcart Prize by Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora, and his poem “I’ve Got the Covid Blues” was featured in the Academy of American Poets’ Poem-A-Day.

A live music performance by percussionist Luis Garay will take place during the event. Following both artists’ presentations, a reception with refreshments will be held during which time Mr. Medina will sign books. His books will be available that evening for purchase from Friends of the Library, Montgomery County or by visiting www.bookshop.org/shop/folmc.

Previous speakers in the Contemporary Conversations series include Kojo Nnamdi, David Ignatius, Charles Lane, Hena Khan, Michelle Singletary, Dinaw Mengestu, Joshua Johnson, Elizabeth Kolbert, Haben Girma, Jarret Krosoczka, Michael W. Twitty, Sheree Renée Thomas, Tyehimba Jess, Karen Washington, Jabira S. Walker, Emanuel Xavier, Regie Cabico, Dr. DJ Kuttin Kandy and BBoy Danny Nguyen. For more information about previous speakers, visit https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library/programs/contemporary-conversations.html.

For more information about the series, contact Clotilde Puértolas at clotilde.puertolas@montgomerycountymd.gov.

The Contemporary Conversations program is co-sponsored by Friends of the Library, Montgomery County (FOLMC), Montgomery County Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice, Montgomery County Office of Human Rights, Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships and Classroom 2 Community.

‘Know the Signs’ Campaign is Theme of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October

‘Know the Signs’ Campaign is Theme of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October

The Montgomery County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (DVCC) is urging residents to “Know the Signs” of domestic violence. That is the theme as October will be recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The Montgomery County Council will present a proclamation on Tuesday, Oct. 3, recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Throughout October, visitors to the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza will notice a display of several dozen yard signs containing warning signs for those experiencing domestic violence and information about available resources.

People in need of assistance or having concerns for a friend or family member should call the Montgomery County Family Justice Center at 240-773-0444, the Montgomery County Crisis Center at 240-777-4000 or email safe@montgomerycountymd.gov.

More information about Domestic Violence Awareness Month and how to know the signs of domestic violence is available at www.tinyurl.com/mocodvam.

The project is an initiative of the DVCC, whose members include the Montgomery County Office of the Sheriff, the Montgomery County Police Department, the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, the District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County, the Montgomery County Circuit Court, the Board of Education of Montgomery County Public Schools, the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, the Montgomery County Council, the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Montgomery County Commission for Women and the Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation.

Child and Adult Used Bicycles Can Be Donated at Department of Transportation Event on Friday, Oct. 20, in Rockville

Bicycles that are no longer being used by some can make a big difference for others. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s annual Bicycle Donation Drive will be held on Friday, Oct. 20. The event will make it easy to donate previously owned bikes and ensure they will have a continued impact.

From 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on Oct. 20, bikes will be collected (rain or shine) outside of the Montgomery County Council Office Building Garage at East Jefferson and Monroe Street in Rockville.

Bicycles should be in good working condition or in need of only minor repairs. Donations will be refurbished and MCDOT will match the bikes with residents in need through the Bike Match program.

Community members are welcome to organize a bike collection at their school, place of worship or within their neighborhood and bring the bikes to Rockville on Oct. 20. For drives that collect 10 or more bikes, MCDOT will arrange to pick them up at a prearranged location.