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.

Easy Style of ‘The Porch Delights’ Will Headline Kensington Historical Society’s Free Morning Concert Series on Saturday, Sept. 21

The easy-going style of The Porch Delights will headline the Kensington Historical Society’s free morning concert series at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, in Howard Avenue Park in Kensington.

Howard Avenue Park is located at 3709-3723 Howard Ave. in Kensington.

The Porch Delights are Ruthie Logsdon, Bill Williams and Arch Alcantara playing front porch style Americana music. During the pandemic in 2020, Ruthie started stringing up lights on the front porch and hosting pop up porch shows for neighbors and live-streamed outdoor jams since they could not hit the indoor venues. The group has three vocals, Arch on lead guitar, Ruthie on rhythm guitar and Bill on mandolin.

The concert series will continue on Saturday mornings through Sept. 28. The full schedule of future concerts can be viewed at Summer Concert Series – Kensington Historical Society (kensingtonhistory.org).

An integral part of Kensington since 1977, the Kensington Historical Society develops programs that address a broad view of local history. It aims to stimulate greater interest in Kensington history and the preservation of Kensington’s architecture.

‘Latino Health Initiative’ Is Focus of New CCM Video in ‘50+ in Montgomery County’ Series

The County’s Latino Health Initiative and how it impacts many residents of Montgomery County is the featured topic in the newest edition of the County Cable Montgomery (CCM) broadcast “50+ in Montgomery County.”

Katie Smith hosts 50+ in Montgomery County. On this month’s episode, she talked with Ingrid Lizama, the communications manager of the Latino Health Initiative (LHI) that is under the direction of the County’s Department of Health and Human Services.

The episode can be viewed online at https://youtu.be/wtnaHCtgw7E.

Cable viewers in Montgomery can see CCM on Comcast Channels 6 and HD 996; RCN Channels 6 and HD 1056; and Verizon Channel 30. To view the cable schedule and when the show is available at various times throughout the week, go to https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ccm/schedule.html.

The Latino Health Initiative delivers free vital health and wellness information to Latinos throughout Montgomery County. It promotes the importance of healthy eating and physical activity, and facilitating access to healthcare. Its offerings include:

• Health promotion workshops in Spanish
• Healthy eating programs in Spanish
• Physical activities including Zumba classes in Spanish
• Access to healthcare

‘Culinary Traditions of the African Diaspora’ with Chana Brissett Shinegba and Saviour Shinegba to be Online Presentation on Tuesday, Sept. 24

Silver Spring Town Center, Inc. will present its annual free Culinary Traditions of the African Diaspora virtual event hosted by husband and wife dynamic duo Chana Brissett Shinegba and Saviour Shinegba at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24. They will be joined by a panel of community members representing the diverse African diaspora in Montgomery County.

The presenters are still looking for a few more panelists. If you grew up with family food traditions from the African Diaspora and would like to share the culinary traditions of your heritage, contact SSTCi Executive Director Lisa Martin at lisa@silverspringtowncenter.com.

To join the event, go to Meeting Registration - Zoom.

Chana Brissett Shinegba has dedicated more than 20 years to the hospitality industry and currently serves as director of client relations for one of the premier catering companies in the Washington area. Her strong networking and business development background has allowed her to excel in building and cultivating relationships with clients, consistently exceeding their expectations.

Chana's love for culinary art is deeply ingrained in her memories from her Southern grandmother's incomparable fried chicken and collard greens to her Afro-Caribbean grandfather's braised tongue with mustard, rice, and peas. Her mother's homemade peach cobbler, served fresh and hot from the oven, holds a special place in her heart as a decadent example of loving tradition.

Saviour Shinegba is a dynamic blend of technical expertise and creative flair embodying the seamless fusion of the analytical and the artistic. Saviour brings a unique perspective to every project, always striving to innovate and enhance user experiences. His professional journey has seen him lead projects that integrate user-centric approaches with effective change management practices, making significant strides in service delivery and business objectives.

Saviour is an avid gardener, finding peace and inspiration in nature. Gaming provides him a sanctuary where he can unwind, and his love for cooking, especially traditional Edo dishes, reflects his deep connection to his roots.

Office of Procurement Fair on Thursday, Sept. 26, in Silver Spring Will Detail Business Opportunities with Montgomery County Government and Other Local Agencies

A free procurement fair from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, at the East County Community Recreation Center in Silver Spring will provide information for businesses that are seeking contracts with the Montgomery County Government and other local agencies. The event will include a panel discussion with representatives on several government entities on how to become certified in the County’s Local Small Business Program and its Minority, Females and Disabled-Owned (MFD) program.

Another panel discussion will have representatives of agencies to talk about opportunities that may be available.

The East County Community Recreation Center is located at 3310 Gateshead Manor Way in Silver Spring.

To learn more about the event and to register in advance, click here.

The panel discussion on certification for the local and MFD programs is scheduled to include:

• Michael Brown, Montgomery County Office of Procurement
• Christine Bivens, Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council
• Sandra Eberhard, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
• Christopher Lundy, City of Baltimore
• Heather McCall, Maryland Department of Transportation

The panel discussion on upcoming procurement opportunities will include:

• Melissa Garner, Montgomery County Office of Procurement
• Patrick Johnson, Montgomery College
• Jessica Lewis, City of Rockville
• Angela McIntosh-Davis, Montgomery County Public Schools
• Caprecia Poole-Williams, WSSC Water
• Lawrence Taylor, Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission
• Jontae Rice, WMATA

Eighth Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival on Sunday, Sept. 29, Will Feature Arts, Entertainment, Food and the Area’s Most Unique Parade

The Eighth Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival, a showcase of creative marching art preceding a day of food, fun and entertainment, will return to Downtown Wheaton on Sunday, Sept. 29. The parade annually features art that can be pushed, pulled, carried, worn or performed—but none that is driven by motors vehicles.

The parade, which starts at 10 a.m., traditionally has bands, dance groups, artists and large floats that march around the Wheaton Triangle Business District and finish at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza at 2424 Reedie Dr. in Wheaton. Entries in the parade can be organized by groups of all kinds, and in some cases, by individuals.

There is still time to sign up to walk in the parade. Apply here for a chance to join more than 600 marchers who are already registered.

The festival area will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. It will have more than 45 booths of exhibits, including those of artists displaying and selling their original work, community organizations and Montgomery County agencies. Activities will include art making and giveaways. Free art fun in the Kids' Zone will have face painting and balloon art.

Starting at noon, the festival will have three stages of entertainment including musicians presented by Strathmore and Carpe Diem Arts, showcases by local schools and dance companies galore from ballet to hip hop. The entertainment is as diverse as the Wheaton community, from Latin rhythms to rock and roll. This year, the festival features a beer pub next to one of the stages.

For more information about the Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival, go to https://www.wheatonartsparade.org/.

Adult Bike and E-Scooter Classes to be Offered in September, October and November

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will offer adult bike classes in September, October and November at various sites around the County. The classes are taught by experienced Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) instructors and include Learn to Ride and Basic Skills classes. MCDOT also will offer four free, walk-up e-scooter classes following select bike classes.

Advance registration is required to participate in the bicycle classes. The cost is $10 for Montgomery County residents, but there is no charge for WABA or Capital Bikeshare For All members. Bicycles and helmets will be provided for the adult Learn to Ride class participants and can be rented for a fee from WABA, if needed, for the Basic Skills class participants. Scooter classes are free of charge.

“Biking plays an important role in enhancing our community's health, well-being and sustainability,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “We are proud to offer low-cost adult bike classes to our residents, providing them with the skills and confidence needed to bike safely and effectively. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this valuable opportunity.”

Participants in the Learn to Ride bicycle classes will learn how to start and stop, balance, glide, pedal and steer a bike. Each student will progress at their own pace. Students in the Basic Skills class should be able to ride a bicycle and will practice basic biking skills.

The classes are open to residents 18 and over, are limited to 25 people and fill up quickly.

Online registration is currently open for September classes on the WABA website under the Classes tab. Registration for October classes will open at 9 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 9, and November class registration will open at 9 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 7.

Adult Learn to Ride Bike Class schedule:

• Sunday, Sept. 22. 9 a.m.-noon. Davis Construction at Twinbrook Metro Center I, 12530 Parklawn Drive, Rockville. NOTE: Class currently filled. Waiting list formed.
• Sunday, Sept. 29. 9 a.m.-noon. Upper County Community Recreation Center, 8201 Emory Grove Road, Gaithersburg. *Free scooter class to follow (noon-2 p.m.). NOTE: Class currently filled. Waiting list formed.  
• Saturday, Oct. 5. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. White Oak Community Recreation Center, 1700 April Lane, White Oak.
• Saturday, Oct. 19. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Germantown Recreation Center, 18905 Kingsview Road, Germantown.
• Sunday, Oct. 27. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Westfield Montgomery Mall (former Sears parking lot), 7101 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda. *Free scooter class to follow (1-3 p.m.).
• Sunday, Nov. 3. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Farm Women’s Market, Lot 24, 4601 Leland St., Bethesda.
• Saturday, Nov. 9. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center, 1000 Forest Glen Road., Silver Spring.

Adult Basic Skills Bike Class schedule:

• Sunday, Oct. 6. 10 a.m.-noon. Montgomery College (parking lot 13), 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville. *Free scooter class to follow (noon-2 p.m.)
• Saturday, Nov. 2. 10 a.m.-noon.  NOTE:  New Location.  Burtonsville Park & Ride Lot, 387 National Drive, Burtonsville.

Rain dates for all the adult bike and e-scooter classes will be two weeks after the original class date and time.

Free, two-hour adult scooter classes are being offered on a drop-in basis on four select days immediately following the bike classes on Sept. 7, Sept. 29, Oct. 6 and Oct. 27. Scooter classes do not require pre-registration. Anyone 18 or over with a valid driver’s license or ID can drop in anytime. Scooters are provided.

"We have seen tremendous demand for our adult bike classes," said Chris Conklin, director of MCDOT. "Since spring 2021, more than 600 residents have participated in these trainings. This fall, we've added two additional classes and expanded to two new locations. We anticipate this interest will continue to grow as we actively expand our bike network. Recently, we completed bike paths in Olney and Clarksburg, and work is underway on separated bike lanes in Bethesda and Downtown Silver Spring.”

To register for the bike classes, visit waba.org/classes. For more information, and to view any future inclement weather cancellations, visit MCDOT’s website here or call 240-777-8380.

Hybrid Public Meeting on the Norwood Road Shared-Use Path Project in Sandy Spring to be Held on Wednesday, Sept. 25

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will hold a hybrid (in-person and online) public information meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, to discuss the proposed a shared-use path on Norwood Road from Olney-Sandy Spring Road/MD 108 to Ashton Forest Way in Sandy Spring. Residents will have an opportunity to provide comments and ask questions.

The in-person meeting will be held in the Olney Library, Meeting Room 2, located at 3500 Olney-Laytonsville Road in Sandy Spring.

Online registration is required to attend the virtual public meeting. The day before the meeting, an email with a Zoom link will be sent to registrants.

The Norwood Shared-Use Path project will provide a shared-use path along the west side of Norwood Road from Olney-Sandy Spring Road/MD 108 to Ashton Forest Way. The proposed path is approximately 1,350 feet and fills in a missing gap in Heritage Triangle Trail.

At the meeting, MCDOT will present project details, costs and schedules as well as obtain public comments and answer questions. Public input is encouraged and may influence the final design of the project.

The public is encouraged to visit the project website and provide feedback via the online comment form or via email to the Project Manager, Hoang Nguyen at Hoang.Nguyen@montgomerycountymd.gov. All information provided will become a matter of public record.

Interpreter services will be provided upon request with five business days advance notice. To request interpreter services, email Lori Main at lori.main@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-7271.

Learn more about MCDOT’s engineering and construction projects by visiting montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-dte.

Design Concepts Released for ‘Damascus Placemaking Festival’ on Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 19-20

The Montgomery County Planning Department has released design concepts for the “Damascus Placemaking Festival,” a free, two-day community event that will be held on Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 19-20. The festival will take place along one block of Main Street in Damascus.

The festival will be open from 1-6 p.m. on Oct. 19 and from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Oct. 20.

The festival is the culmination of a collaborative, short-term special planning initiative to bring together local businesses, residents, visitors and civic groups to temporarily reimagine a portion of Main Street in Damascus. Community members are working with the project team and community partners to bring ideas for Main Street to life.

The two-day celebration will include local food, music, arts and engagement activities in a place for residents to gather with their community. The initiative will help create a clear vision for a vibrant and welcoming Main Street that embraces and celebrates the community’s small-town charm.

The Damascus Placemaking Festival is modeled on the White Flint Placemaking Festival that took place in 2018, the Burtonsville Placemaking Festival in 2019 and the Fairland and Briggs Chaney Placemaking Festival in 2022. These events have each attracted 1,000 to 3,000 people over a weekend.

The design concepts for the Damascus festival were created based on input from the community through an online questionnaire and at the project’s kickoff meeting in June. The concepts and a summary of the feedback are available on the project’s website.

“These design concepts demonstrate how Main Street has the potential to be a vibrant community destination in the heart of Damascus,” said project lead Audrey Vogel. “We are excited to bring the community’s ideas to life as part this fun and family-friendly festival that aims to inspire long-term improvements to public spaces while maintaining Damascus’ small-town character.”

Planners are seeking the community’s help to bring these concepts to life during the community-led build of the festival in the days leading up to the event. Volunteers may be asked to help paint a temporary mural installation, construct benches or art sculptures, and assist with festival operations, such as set up, clean up, and parking management. Interested parties can sign up for volunteer days using the online form. Student Service Learning (SSL) hours will be available for students.

To learn more about the Damascus Placemaking Festival please visit the project’s website and sign up for our e-letter to receive updates.

Rockville’s ‘Rocktobierfest’ Will Celebrate German Culture with Bands, Beer and Bratwurst on Saturday, Sept. 28

The City of Rockville's Rocktobierfest will celebrate German culture with bands, beer and bratwurst from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, in Rockville Town Center. The free festival will have two stages of live music, food vendors, beer sales by local breweries, an artisan shopping area and activities for kids.

The Oktoberfest event annually attracts about 8,000 people to Downtown Rockville.

For more information about the event, call 240-314-8620 or go to specialevents@rockvillemd.gov.

The two stages of music for Rocktobierfest will include traditional Bavarian and rock music. The music schedule:

The Maryland Avenue Stage schedule includes the beach party music of Son of Pirates (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.), the alternative rock of It’s All Good (1:30-3 p.m.) and the rock tribute band HFS (3:30- 5 p.m.).

On the East Montgomery Avenue Stage will be the Bavarian polka of Mike Surratt and Continentals (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.), the traditional German sounds of the Rockville German Band (1-2:30 p.m.) and the Bavarian polka of Alt Washingtonia (3:30-5 p.m.).

There are 11 scheduled breweries and vendors for the event, including 7 Locks Brewing, Clear Skies Meadery, Crooked Crab Brewing Company, Denizens Brewing Co., Lone Oak Farm Brewing, Saints Row Brewing, Silver Branch Brewing, Third Hill Brewing, Twin Valley Distillers, Waredaca Brewing Company and World of Beer.

Free parking will be available at the Council Office Building garage on Fleet Street and the City Hall parking lot. Paid parking will be available in the Town Square Route 355 and North Washington Street garages.

Boo! Montgomery Parks Halloween Eye Spy Trains tickets on sale

Weekends in October just got spookier at Montgomery Parks with the return of Halloween Eye Spy Trains at Cabin John and Wheaton Regional Parks. Tickets for the eerie annual event are on sale now. A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase onsite, but ride times will not be guaranteed.

Riders will receive an “Eye Spy” card depicting Halloween-themed items such as pumpkins, ghosts and black cats to look for along the tracks during the ride. This is a fun activity for all ages.

Saturdays and Sundays during October, starting Oct. 5 | 9:30 a.m.‒ 4:30 p.m.

Cabin John Miniature Train. 7410 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. $6 per person. Ages 2 and younger ride free with a paying adult. Purchase tickets in advance.

Wheaton Miniature Train and Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel. 2002 Shorefield Road, Wheaton. $8 per person. Ages 2 and younger ride free with a paying adult. Purchase tickets in advance.

Message from County Executive Marc Elrich

Dear Friends,

Montgomery County this week hosted an international life science and biotech conference presented by Bisnow. I welcomed conference attendees during the opening session and took the opportunity to talk about our commitment to supporting and growing the life sciences industry in Montgomery County.

Bisnow is a leading business-to-business platforms serving the commercial real estate industry. The company reaches more than 11 million readers and hosts more than 350 events each year. It operates in dozens of markets across the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The conference was held here because we are the heart of the life sciences and technology industries.

Many of the professionals attending the conference already know that we are the heart of the No. 3 biopharma clusters in the nation and also rank third nationally when it comes to life sciences research talent. I wanted to reinforce to them that Montgomery County provides a unique opportunity for investment and growth.

We are also committed to making Montgomery County an easier place to do business—life sciences and beyond. We have the advantage of being home to several Federal agencies like the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health, but we also have the flexibility and desire to meet the needs of start-ups and world leaders in the industry.

We are not just a hub of scientific discovery; we are also one of the most diverse communities in the nation. Our diversity is one of our strengths, bringing together people from a variety of races, ethnicities and belief systems. One reason you find so many people from different nationalities represented in the scientific fields in Montgomery County is because people feel comfortable coming here. We are one of the most inclusive communities anywhere.

I told the conference about two exciting developments. This week we announced a new partnership with the Henry Jackson Foundation – “HJF Innovation Labs at Montgomery County, Md” which will provide access to lab space, clinical trials and research expertise for Montgomery County companies. These smaller labs are in high demand because they help people with big ideas get started. We are also working with HJF to host a series of networking and educational discussions, the first of which coincided with the announcement of the new lab.

I also mentioned our partnership with the University of Maryland to create the UM-Institute for Health Computing (UM-IHC). We are now on track to provide graduate level research on AI, quantum computing and virtual reality to support and attract business who want access and proximity to these cutting-edge technologies.

When we meet with life science and biotech leaders, they are very intrigued and interested in the potential of UM-IHC. The co-director of UM-IHC, Dr. Brad Maron, joined this week’s media briefing to give a progress update on the work being done there. You can watch that here.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore was one of the featured guests at the Bisnow conference and this week’s weekly media briefing also featured Ulyana Desiderio, the Maryland Department of Commerce’s senior director of strategic industries. You can watch her remarks here.

It was an exciting week, but even with the conference over, our quest to develop new opportunities does not end. Montgomery County will continue to seek out partnerships to help develop new ideas so that medical and scientific innovations can make it to market and save lives.

Launch of Great Seneca Transit Network

Montgomery County has launched two new Ride On extRa bus routes to connect riders to key businesses in Rockville and Gaithersburg, the Shady Grove Metro Station and the Universities at Shady Grove.

The Great Seneca Transit Network includes the “Pink” and “Lime” lines with regular, reliable service for this growing area that needs more public transit. These lines connect the Shady Grove Metro to the Life Sciences center, the Universities at Shady Grove and communities in between. Buses will arrive every 15 minutes during the weekday and every 30 minutes on the weekends. The zero-emission buses on this line are designed to be comfortable, easy to board and include amenities such as free wi-fi and charging ports.

I want to thank our State and Federal delegations, which helped secure more than half of the $26 million funding for this project. This is just Phase 1 of our plan, and I am happy to say it came in on budget and on time.

The project, detailed in the chart above, includes improvements that make it easier to walk and bike in the area. Dedicated bus lanes provide greater separation from other vehicles and traffic signal priority will make these buses move faster through traffic than they normally would.

Great Seneca Ride On extRa expands mobility for bus riders and increases access to jobs, education and healthcare for the community. We will continue to focus on better connections for neighborhoods and businesses, while helping to boost economic development. Learn more about routes, schedules and using Ride On here.

Protecting Reproductive Freedom

I stood this week with County Council Vice President Kate Stewart, Maryland Commission for Women Executive Director Ariana Kelly and many other leaders calling for all Marylanders to have guaranteed access to abortion. Here are pictures from that press event. I want to thank the County Council for its unanimous support of the resolution affirming Montgomery County’s commitment to Protect Reproductive Rights. I think it is fundamentally outrageous that men are able to dictate the health and well-being of women. We would never tolerate anybody doing that to us and we should not accept that men, or the government, should be dictating the reproductive rights of women.

This resolution urges voters to vote yes on “Question 1” that would enshrine reproductive freedom in the State Constitution. Question 1 will be on the ballot in November.

We have already seen reproductive rights taken away or significantly scaled back in more than 20 states, including our neighbors in West Virginia. Even in nearby Pennsylvania, a woman faces restrictive policies. Nationwide, there are more than 25 million women between 15 and 44 dealing with some form of abortion restrictions that were not in place a few years ago.

When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, we acted. We provided $1 million in Abortion Access Grants to help providers account for a greater demand for their services, aid in security costs and help women coming from other areas.

I visited one of the centers last month and got to hear how our funds are being used. It feels good to know that our money is at work and helping preserve and expand access to abortion.

One of the first things Governor Moore did in office was to release $3.5 million in expanded abortion training that had been held up by the previous governor. State lawmakers appropriated those funds, but the previous governor had refused to release them. I am glad we now have a State administration that understands the importance of reproductive freedom.

Health Report

COVID-19 cases are declining across Maryland and in Montgomery County this week, including a decrease in hospitalizations and ICU patients.

However, we still need to take this illness seriously.

The COVID-19 vaccine is the best protection from severe disease, becoming hospitalized and dying. Updated vaccines are now available at pharmacies and healthcare providers across our area. It is especially important for anyone 65 and older or at high risk for severe COVID-19 to get an updated shot as soon as possible. Those who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine should also be among the first to make an appointment. Visit vaccines.gov for help finding a nearby pharmacy or physician carrying the vaccine.

‘Community Conversations’ on FY26 Operating Budget Continue Sept. 16 and Sept. 18

We are hosting more “community conversations” about next year’s operating budget in the coming week.

On Monday, Sept. 16, we will be at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center and on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. These forums begin at 7 p.m. The schedule for upcoming community conversations about the Fiscal Year 2026 budget can be found on our County website. Just look for “Community Conversations” on our homepage. You can also attend virtually, but we also like to see you in person.

2024 Community Survey Now Underway

I encourage all residents to take a few moments to take Montgomery County’s 2024 Community Survey. This is an opportunity to share your opinions anonymously. Questions are designed to get your views on County services and your quality of life. It will also gauge how well the County communicates with residents on various household practices such as recycling, transportation and public safety.

The survey will remain on the County website until Sept. 30, and is available in eight languages.

Your voice is an important part of shaping the future of Montgomery County. I am looking forward to sharing the results with you.

Hispanic Heritage Month Begins

The start of Hispanic Heritage Month is Sunday, Sept. 15. Throughout the month, the County will acknowledge the contributions of the Hispanic and Latino community to the cultural diversity and economic vitality of the County.

The first day of Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated by several Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. In Mexico, the day also marks its Independence Day.

I invite you to circle Sunday, Oct. 6, on your calendar. The “Ama Tu Vida, Ama Tu Herencia Festival and Health Fair” will take place from noon-5 p.m. at the Marian Fryer Plaza in Wheaton. This is a free event that will feature live music and performances, along with culturally relevant food, art and jewelry for sale. It is a family friendly event.

There are more than a dozen activities honoring Hispanic heritage that you will find on the County’s calendar of celebrations. Information also is available at LHIinfo.org on the Latino Health Initiative website. The calendar details events hosted by Montgomery College, at our local libraries and other locations.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich
County Executive

Layhill Road in Silver Spring and Wilson Lane in Bethesda Will Get Road Improvements from State Starting Monday, Sept. 16; Nighttime Delays Will Occur

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will improve the riding surface on Layhill Road (MD 182) in Silver Spring and Wilson Lane (MD 188) in Bethesda starting Monday, Sept. 16. Crews will work Sundays through Thursdays 8 p.m.-5 a.m. The pavement improvement projects should be complete by early October, weather permitting.

Crews will begin applying micro-surfacing material, which is used to preserve and extend the life of the existing asphalt. During work hours, motorists can expect multiple lane closures guided by a flagging operation.

Details on the stretches of roads to be improved:

• MD 182 (Layhill Road) between MD 200 (Intercounty Connector) and MD 97 (Georgia Avenue); and
• MD 188 (Wilson Lane) between MacArthur Boulevard and Hampden Lane.

The State Highway Administration’s contractor, Slurry Pavers of Virginia, will use variable message signs, flaggers and barrels to guide motorists through the work zone. Equipment used for construction may be disruptive. Motorists should travel undistracted through all work zones and motorists should obey all posted speed limits.

The State Highway Administration seeks to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for crews and drivers. Drivers need to stay alert, focus on driving and look for reduced speed limits as well as other traffic pattern changes. Motorists can dial #77 on their mobile devices for roadside assistance.

For a list of all major State Highway Administration projects, visit Project Portal or the homepage at roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.

Fall Cleaning of County Public Parking Garages Has Started and Will Continue through November

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) this week started its semi-annual interior washdown to degrease and clean 21 County-owned parking garages in Silver Spring, Bethesda and Wheaton. The cleanings began in the Bethesda garages this week and are scheduled to conclude in the Silver Spring garages on Sunday, Nov. 3. The washings will occur on nights and weekends.

Some garages will experience partial closures that may include select entrance/exit areas and ramps. MCDOT contractors will do their best to complete their work around the garage traffic and parked vehicles and will provide appropriate signage to notify customers of anticipated access impacts.

View the full garage cleaning schedule here.

Every year, MCDOT performs the spring and fall washdowns to ensure the cleanliness of garages and prevent deterioration of the structures from prolonged exposure to salt, sand, oils, gas, dirt, pollen and leaves. Regular cleanings also help to keep grease, oil and debris out of local waterways. Some of the garages have permanent run off filtration systems and others have diverter valves that, when activated during the washdown, change the direction of the water flow from storm to sanitary.