Reservations to Use School and Recreation Athletic Fields Will Open on Nov. 1

Reservations to use school and recreation athletic fields from Dec. 1 through March 14 will open on Friday, Nov. 1. That also will be the first day to reserve use of other outdoor school facilities for that period.

The Community Use of Public Facilities will open online registration at 6:30 a.m. on Nov. 1 at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org.

 
For more information about reserving facilities, see the blog posts at the Community Use Bridge.

Additional information also is available by calling 240-777-2725, or by emailing cupf@montgomerycountymd.gov..

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

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will offer adult bike classes in 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 will also offer two free, walk-up e-scooter classes.

Bike classes are open to residents 18 and over, are limited to 25 people and fill up quickly. Online registration for the November classes is now open.

Adult Learn to Ride Bike Class November schedule:

• 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 November schedule:

• 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.

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 provide scooters and are free of charge.

A free, two-hour adult scooter class is being offered on a drop-in basis on 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. The clinic will be held from 1-3 p.m. at Westfield Montgomery Mall (former Sears parking lot), which is located at 7101 Democracy Blvd. in Bethesda.

For more information, and to view any future inclement weather cancellations, visit MCDOT’s website here or call 240-777-8380.

Pike District Partnership to Host ‘Barks, Brews and BBQ’ Dog-Friendly Beer Garden in North Bethesda on Saturday, Nov. 2

The Pike District Partnership will host its third annual “Barks, Brews and BBQ Beer Garden” free, dog-friendly event from noon-4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Pike District Pop-up Park in North Bethesda.

The event will have tail-wagging, hand-clapping, local brews, and mocktails at the Pike District Pop-up Park at Grand Park and Banneker Avenues, one block south of Old Georgetown Road.

Dog-friendly activities will include dog play areas and opportunities to snap adorable pics at the dog selfie station. Dogs and owners also can get creative at the dog ornament-making booth. Local vendors will include Dogtopia, Paw by Paw, Petwell Clinic and nonprofit PetConnect for dogs looking to connect with their forever families.

Hepcat Hoodie will open the music at the event. It features covers from the 60’s to today. The 19th Street Band returns as the event headliner, bringing together Americana, country and rock. It has made appearances at festivals including DelFest, Charm City Bluegrass Festival, National Cherry Blossom Festival, Annapolis Irish Festival and Maryland Irish Festival. Its latest album is currently airing across 100 radio stations in Ireland and the U.K.

Brews, cocktails and mocktails will be available from Third Hill Brewing Co., 7Locks Brewing and Saints Row. Vine Alley will have a specialty cider cocktail, seltzers and mocktails.

BBQ will be available from Origins BBQ and Grubbing Hard BBQ.

The Pike District Partnership will collect donations to benefit Pet Connect, a local organization dedicated to rescuing and rehoming pets in need.

For up-to-date information on the festival and to check for weather-related changes, visit www.pikedistrict.org.

The Pike District Partnership (PDP) is the advocacy and marketing engine that fosters connections and amplifies community voices to promote economic opportunities. Its central purpose is to position the Pike District’s success as North Bethesda’s Urban Core. The PDP continues the mission of The Friends of White Flint (FoWF) nonprofit advocacy organization and the White Flint Downtown Advisory Committee (WFDAC) to support North Bethesda.

Ride On Seeks Opinions of Users Through Its 2024 Rider Survey

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is seeking the opinions of users on what they like and do not like about the County’s bus service. The 2024 Rider Survey is now available.

The survey information allows MCDOT to qualify for Federal funding to support the public transit network. Responses will help MCDOT planners understand who is using the system, will help ensure all service changes equitably benefit County residents and will inform future bus services.

To participate in the survey, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MX2DDXP.

Annual ‘Garden of Lights’ Display at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton Advance Tickets Now on Sale

Advance tickets are now on sale for the annual Montgomery Parks’ “Garden of Lights,” a breathtaking outdoor winter light display at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton. This year’s exhibit will feature more than 1.5 million twinkling LED lights.

The exhibit will open on Nov. 22. Brookside Gardens is located at1800 Glenallan Ave. in Wheaton. The half-mile pathway for the walking tour is transformed into a glowing winter wonderland. Guests can warm up with hot chocolate and grab a snack or a holiday gift at the gift shop.

Tickets are $10 per person (ages 5 and older). Children under 5 are free, but must register. To purchase tickets online, visit Garden of Lights and click on the link for tickets.

The Garden of Lights exhibit features dazzling light displays showcasing flowers, animals and nature-inspired scenes. This year’s exhibit will include a new lighted archway that is choreographed to music and lighted jumping pads.

The magical experience begins on Nov. 22 and runs nightly through Jan. 5. It will be closed Nov. 25-28, Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1. The display is open from 5-9 p.m.

For a sneak peek of the display, check preview video and photo album from last year.

‘Halloween Eye Spy Trains’ Tickets on Sale for Cabin John and Wheaton Regional Parks

Weekends in October will get 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.

The Eye Spy Trains operate from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays during October.

The trains can be found at the following locations:

• 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.

‘De Colores: A Virtual Autumn Community Art Show’ Will Show Off Works of Artists of All Abilities on Wednesday, Oct. 23

Be Fruitful by Artist Cynthia Farrell Johnson

Artists of all abilities from every visual medium are invited to share their work inspired by the vibrant colors of autumn at the virtual “De Colores: A Virtual Community Art Show” from 7-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23. The free show is presented by Silver Spring Town Center, Inc. and will be hosted by artist Marcie Wolf-Hubbard.

Artists can submit up to three images of their work by Monday, Oct. 21, to be considered for inclusion in the show. The images should be emailed to marcieplusart@gmail.com.

For those who want to view the show via Zoom, registration in advance is required. To register, go to Register in Advance for Zoom Link.

Marcie Wolf-Hubbard received her B.A. from the University of Maryland in Studio Art and studied Fine Art and Illustration at the Maryland Institute, College of Art. Her paintings have been exhibited widely on the East Coast. She has illustrated for magazines and books and worked as a courtroom artist.

Marcie is an instructor at Glen Echo Park, Yellow Barn Studios, The Smithsonian and has transitioned to teaching virtually from her studio.

Learn more about her at www.marciewolfhubbard.com.

Office of Consumer Protection Releases New Podcast on Hiring Home Builders and Home Improvement Contractors

The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) has released the latest episode of its podcast, “Consumer Connection,” titled "Home Sweet Home." The episode provides valuable advice on the often-confusing process of hiring home builders and home improvement contractors and can help residents make informed decisions when buying or renovating a home.

In the podcast, OCP Investigator Michelle Escobar, who hosts the podcast, is joined by OCP Investigations Administrator Patty Vitale and OCP Business Education and Registration Unit Manager Shaun Carew. They break down the key differences between new home builders and home improvement contractors, offering practical tips to protect consumers from fraud, poor workmanship and other risks associated with unlicensed work. The discussion touches on the importance of checking contractor credentials, understanding the contract process and ensuring proper documentation for any project changes.

In the episode’s consumer case segment, Ms. Escobar and her guests examine a real-life case where homeowners were left with an unfinished, poorly built home by an unlicensed builder. The team discusses what went wrong and offers advice to help listeners avoid similar pitfalls.

The episode introduces a new "Consumer Quick Tip" segment, featuring OCP investigator and licensed home inspector Matthew Kaufman. With almost three decades of experience, Investigator Kaufman shares helpful information on ensuring home construction meets high-quality standards, including the benefits of independent third-party inspections.

“Whether you’re buying a new home or considering renovations, this episode is packed with the tools you need to navigate the process with confidence,” said OCP Director Eric Friedman. “We encourage all Montgomery County residents to listen and share the episode to stay informed about their rights and how they can protect themselves.”

The “Consumer Connection” podcast is available on major platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music. Future episodes will focus on avoiding scams, making informed purchasing decisions and understanding consumer rights. Listeners are encouraged to email questions and ideas for episodes to consumerconnection@montgomerycountymd.gov.

The Office of Broadband Programs in the County’s Department of Technology and Enterprise Services (TEBS) is providing technical support for the Consumer Connection podcast.

The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection is located at 100 Maryland Ave. Suite 3600, in Rockville. Walk-in hours are from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. For more information or to file a consumer complaint, call MC 311 or 240-777-0311, or visit its website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ocp.

‘Cold Process Soap Workshop’ That Will Teach How to Make Soap to Be Offered by Rockville Science Center on Friday, Oct. 25

The Rockville Science Center will be presenting a workshop to teach attendees how soap is made through the process of “saponification.” The workshop, for ages 13-adults, will be at the Rockville Science Center storefront in Downtown Rockville from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25.

The Rockville Science Center storefront is located at 36C Maryland Ave. in Rockville. The fee to attend is $41 per person. To register for the workshop, go to Cold Process Soap Workshop | RSC (rockvillesciencecenter.org).

Those participating will have the opportunity to make about 150 grams of fragrant and colorful soap to take it home. They will learn about the ingredients tools needed to make more soap at home.

Fall Harvest Family Day, Foodie Friday and a 'Not-So-Spooky Skate' Among the Montgomery Parks Special Events in October

Foodie Friday, a “Not-So-Spooky Skate” and a Glory of Fall garden tour are among the Montgomery Parks special events that will be held in October.

The special events calendar will include:

• Not So Spooky Skate. Friday, Oct. 25. 4:30–6:30 p.m. (Cabin John Ice Rink); 5:30–7:30 p.m. (Wheaton Ice Arena). Cabin John Ice Rink, 10610 Westlake Drive, Rockville; Wheaton Ice Arena, 11717 Orebaugh Ave., Wheaton. Celebrate Halloween trick-or-treating at the skating rink, participate in the costume contest and make some Halloween-themed crafts. Ages 3–12. $12 per child (includes skate rental).
• Foodie Fridays: See the Future–Young Farmers in Montgomery County. Friday, Oct. 25, 6:30 –8:30 p.m. Josiah Henson Museum and Park, 11410 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda. Envision the future of agriculture in Montgomery County with young growers who are reimagining the food system, featuring educator, filmmaker and community activist Falani Spivey. The registration fee includes light refreshments, one alcoholic beverage (21 and older), and a ticket to Josiah Henson Museum ($5 value, redeemable during regular museum hours). Ages 18 and older. Purchase tickets. $15 per person.

Special events at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton will include:

• Botany Basics. Saturdays, Oct.19 and 26. 11 a.m.–noon. Ages 9–12. Registration required. $7 per person.
• Dealing with Deer and Other Mammal Pests in Your Garden. Thursday, Oct. 24. 7–8:30 p.m. Ages 18 and older. Registration required. $15 per person.
• Junior Gardeners. Friday, Oct. 25. 11 a.m.–noon. Ages 3–5. Registration required. $7 per person.
• Chrysanthemum Tour. Thursday, Oct 24. 7–8:30 p.m. Ages 18 and older. Registration required. $12 per person.
• Heaven is a Garden: Serenity by Design. Tuesday, Oct. 29. 7–8:30 p.m. Ages 18 and older. Registration required. Free.
• Glory of Fall Garden Tour. Tuesday, Oct. 29, and Wednesday, Oct. 31. 1–2:30 p.m. Ages 18 and older. Registration required. $12 per person.

Parks Academy Series classes:

• Nordic Walking. Tuesdays Through Oct. 29. 6–7 p.m. Ovid Hazen Wells Recreational Park, 12001 Skylark Road, Clarksburg. Ages 18 and older. Five weekly classes. $50 per person. Registration required; no walk-ins.

Programs for Ages 55-and-over:

• Socials for 55+: Gourd Homes for Bird-friendly Crafting. Monday, Oct. 21. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Agricultural History Farm Park, 18400 Muncaster Mill Road, Derwood. Registration required. $8 per person. (Part of Birdability Week).
• Socials for 55+: The Art of Bird Carving. Thursday, Oct. 24. 10–11:30 a.m. Veirs Mill Local Park, 4425 Garrett Park Road, Wheaton. Registration required. $8 per person. (Part of Birdability Week)

Montgomery Parks is a co-sponsor of the Learn to Inline Skate and Try Hockey. Sunday, Oct. 20. Dewey Local Park.

Go to Montgomery Parks event calendar for a complete list of special events and programming and to learn how to sign up using ActiveMontgomery. Visit the Fall 2024 Montgomery Parks Program Guide

Great Pumpkin Carving, a Haunted House in Long Branch and a ‘Candy and Costumes Skate’ in White Oak Among Fall Recreation Special Events

A great pumpkin carving event, a haunted house in Long Branch and a “Candy and Costumes Skate” in White Oak are among the wide variety of special events Montgomery County Recreation will be hosting this fall at locations across the County. Events are scheduled for community recreation centers, senior centers and aquatic facilities.

“There is nothing better during this time of year than to celebrate fun seasonal events with friends, family and the entire County community,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Montgomery County Recreation has a number of fall events with music, games and more to help usher in this exciting time.”

Upcoming fall special events hosted by Montgomery County Recreation will include:

Monday, Oct. 21

• 12:30-2 p.m. Great Pumpkin Carving. Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center, 13850 Travilah Rd, Rockville. Dress in costume and for this exciting team pumpkin carving event.

Friday, Oct. 25

• 7:30-9:30 p.m. Haunted House. Long Branch Community Recreation Center, 8700 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring. Wear your costume and bring your Halloween spirit to brave the spooky haunted house. Light refreshments will be provided.

Saturday, Oct. 26

• 3-5 p.m. Therapeutic Recreation Family Spooktacular Saturday. Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Drive, Silver Spring. This event is for youth with disabilities and their families. Dress up in your favorite costume and come trick-or-treat in our not-so-scary haunted house of inflatable fun and take part in family-friendly games.
• 6:30-9:30 p.m. Therapeutic Recreation Saturday Night Social – Ghouls Just Want To Have Fun Dance. Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Drive, Silver Spring. For individuals ages 15 and up with disabilities. Enjoy a DJ, dancing, games, pizza and other refreshments. Pre-registration is encouraged.

Friday, Nov. 1

• 4-7 p.m. Candy and Costumes Community Skate. White Oak Community Recreation Skate Park, 1700 April Lane, Silver Spring. Still time to celebrate Halloween with candy, costumes and skateboarding at the community skate. All skate levels are welcome. Be sure to wear your Halloween costume.

The Recreation Department also will host Floating Pumpkin Patches throughout October with pumpkin picking in County swimming pools.

For $5, kids ages 2-12 will be able to pick a pumpkin and enjoy a decorating craft. Swimming with your pumpkin will be available in the first hour. Decorating and crafts are available throughout the event. Children 5 and under require an adult in the water with them. One pumpkin per participant.

The floating pumpkin patches schedule:

• Friday, Oct. 18. 7-8:30 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Swim Center, 1201 Jackson Road, Silver Spring.
• Saturday, Oct. 19. 10-11:30 a.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Swim Center, 1201 Jackson Road, Silver Spring *This event is for kids ages 2-15 with disabilities and their families.
• Friday, Oct. 25. 7-8:30 p.m. Olney Swim Center, 16605 Georgia Ave., Olney.
• Saturday, Oct. 26. 3-4:30 p.m. Germantown Indoor Swim Center, 18000 Central Park Circle, Boyds.
• Sunday, Oct. 27. 5-6:30 p.m. Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center, 1319 Apple Ave., Silver Spring.

Registration for events can be completed online at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org. Not all events require registration. Registration for fall programs is also currently underway. Winter program registration begins Wednesday, Nov. 13.

October provides many opportunities for fun and rejuvenation with several classes to learn about or expand your gardening knowledge at Brookside Gardens, a laugh-out-loud comedy show about growing older, a climb-a-tree program for people 55-and-over, and several fall harvests. In celebration of Halloween, there are the seasonal Eye Spy Trains and Not So Spooky Skates for the kids.

Community Meetings Will Address ‘Walkability Studies” and Safety Needs for Six Schools

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will hold a series of in-person meetings to present the findings of six school “walkability studies” to address study findings and discuss the sidewalk and safety needs of students walking and biking to the studied schools. The studies involve Kensington Parkwood Elementary (Kensington); Martin Luther King Jr. Middle, Lake Seneca Elementary and Waters Landing Elementary (Germantown); and Rosemary Hills Elementary and Rock Creek Forest Elementary (Silver Spring).

Each of the walkability studies reviewed the condition of existing infrastructure and recommended improvements that may be implemented within the school walkshed to provide safe and accessible routes for students walking and biking to school. The community meetings will help County staff better understand safety needs and plan future sidewalk and safety improvement projects within the school walkshed.

Registration is not required to attend. Feedback and information provided will become a matter of public record. Prior to each meeting, residents are encouraged to review the walkability study on each of the project websites here.

The meetings will be held at the following locations:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Middle, Lake Seneca Elementary and Waters Landing Elementary Schools. Wednesday, Oct. 23. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, 13737 Wisteria Dr., Germantown.
• Rosemary Hills Elementary and Rock Creek Forest Elementary Schools. Thursday, Dec. 5. 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Rosemary Hills Elementary School All Purpose Room, 2111 Porter Road, Silver Spring.

Comments and questions may be submitted by email to walkyourway@montgomerycountymd.gov or by phone 240-777-2192. The deadline to submit comments is Sunday, Jan. 5. Written feedback will carry the same weight as oral testimony.

Learn more about MCDOT’s Safe Routes to School by visiting the program website here.

Free Financial Health and Wellness Seminars Being Offered Virtually by Commission for Women and County Libraries

The Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery County Public Libraries are presenting a series of free financial seminars in October and November on the ins and outs of "all things money." The seminars, which are open to all, will be led by financial and investment advisors Jamie Lapin and Thiago Glieger. The seminars will take place via Zoom from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday nights.

To register for the seminars, visit the links below. The Zoom link will be provided after registering. Take advantage of this opportunity to take control of your financial future! Reserve your spot today and embark on the path to financial well-being!

• Tuesday, Oct. 22: Retirement Planning. Learn how to effectively plan for retirement in Part 2: Retirement Planning of the Financial Health and Wellness Seminar series. This session addresses key concerns like ensuring you don't outlive your savings and maximizing your resources and independence.
• Tuesday, Oct. 29: Social Security and Medicare. Learn the essentials of navigating Social Security and Medicare, two critical components of financial planning for retirement. This virtual event will cover how to maximize benefits and manage healthcare costs.
• Tuesday, Nov. 5: Divorce and Money. Learn how to manage finances during and after a divorce. The session will focus on ensuring financial stability and understanding your role in protecting your fiscal future.

For more information or any questions on the seminars, call 240-777-8300 or email cfwinfo@montgomerycountymd.gov

‘Damascus Placemaking Festival’ Will Address Community’s Future on Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 19-20

The Montgomery County Planning Department will host the “Damascus Placemaking Festival” on Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 19-20, that will address the UpCounty community’s future. It will be a free, two-day event that 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.