Maryland Polls Will Be Open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5

The Presidential General Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Polls will be open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. To vote in person on election days, vote at your assigned polling place.

Mail-in ballots must be postmarked or placed in a designated ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

In Montgomery County, among the offices voters will be selecting are President/Vice President and one U.S. Senate seat. All eight Congressional seats across Maryland are being contested, including the districts representing Montgomery County.

Citizens can register to vote on election day by going to the polling place assigned for their residence and bringing a document that proves where they live. You can find your polling place here. The document can be a MVA-issued license, permit, ID card or change of address card. Also valid can be a paycheck, bank statement, utility bill or other government document with your name and new address.

A person can update their address during early voting or on election day. Go to the polling place assigned for your new address. You can find your polling place here. At the polling place, provide your new address, vote a provisional ballot and election officials will update your address and count your provisional ballot.

Rockville’s 10k/5k Run, a Fall Tradition, Will Hit the Streets of King Farm on Sunday, Nov. 3

The City of Rockville, in partnership with the Montgomery County Road Runners Club, will again host the fall running tradition of the Rockville 10k/5k run on Sunday morning, Nov. 3. The event, which welcomes runners of all abilities, will happen along the streets of the King Farm community.

The race will be staged from the King Farm Village Center, located at 302 King Farm Blvd. in Rockville. Road closures in the area will go into effect. At 8:10 a.m., a kids' one-mile fun run will begin at the corner of Redland Blvd. and Pleasant Drive. The 10k run begins at 8:30 a.m., and the 5k run starts at 8:45 a.m.

Although participants of all abilities are welcome, a 15-minute per mile pace will be enforced due to permitting requirements and the re-opening of roads. Participants who fall behind that pace will be moved to the sidewalk.

Walkers are encouraged to participate in the 5k distance due to the road closure restrictions. Strollers are permitted, but organizers ask anyone pushing a stroller to seed themselves in the back of the field at the start of the race they are running.

Dogs and all other pets are not permitted on the course.

Additional information about the race is available at www.rockville10k5k.com.

U.S. Returns to Standard Time on Sunday, Nov. 3—and It Is a Good Time to Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Batteries

Daylight Savings Time, observed in spring and summer months throughout most of the U.S. and much of the Northern Hemisphere, will end at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, as the nation returns to Standard Time. Clocks must be turned back one hour on Sunday. The annual, twice-yearly time changes are also good reminders to check batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Replacing batteries comes with the responsibility of disposing of the old batteries properly.

The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reminds residents of the importance of proper battery disposal for the protection of the environment and residential well-being. Improper battery disposal can cause fires in trash cans, on trash trucks, and at the processing and transfer stations.

It is important to transport batteries safely when they are headed for disposal. DEP guidelines for proper battery disposal:

• Tape the ends of batteries with masking tape or another non-metallic tape.
• Place loose batteries individually into a plastic bag.
• Place taped of bagged batteries into a study container labeled batteries.
• Do not remove batteries from electronics.
• Do not mix small batteries with coins and keys in your pocket.

The household hazardous waste drop-off area at the County’s Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station, located at 16101 Frederick Road in Derwood, accepts all batteries. Lead acid and vehicle batteries can be dropped off for no charge.

Montgomery County will join in the celebration of “Maryland Emancipation Day” on Saturday, Nov. 2, with several special events sponsored by Montgomery Parks.

Montgomery County will join in the celebration of “Maryland Emancipation Day” on Saturday, Nov. 2, with several special events sponsored by Montgomery Parks.

The State of Maryland celebrates Emancipation Day on Nov. 1. On that day in 1864, a referendum was passed by a very narrow margin approving a new constitution for Maryland that included freeing Maryland’s enslaved. In Southern Maryland, 33,295 enslaved persons were “free at last.” This included Blacks across the four counties in Southern Maryland who made up more than 60 percent of the population.

At the start of the Civil War, Maryland was designated as a “free state” because Maryland did not secede from the Union with the rest of the Confederacy. President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, effective Jan. 1, 1863, only applied to the seceding states. Therefore, Maryland was able to continue the practice of enslavement.

While enslavement continued in Maryland, it was a time of turmoil for enslavers and the enslaved. Washington, D.C., freed its enslaved in April 1862. During this time, Maryland's enslaved had several paths to freedom. Maryland’s enslaved people fled in significant numbers to freedom in Washington. Federal troops were stationed in Maryland to protect the Capitol and the enslaved fled to those units.

Through the Emancipation Proclamation, Blacks could enroll in the Union armed forces starting in January 1863. Several regiments of Black troops were formed in Maryland, with a major training center in Southern Maryland at Camp Stanton in Benedict that opened in October 1863. Overall, 8,700 African Americans in Maryland left their owners or enrolled as free Blacks to fight for the Union.

On Nov. 2, Montgomery County’s celebration of Maryland Emancipation Day will include free admission to Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, to taking a tour through Prince George's Sankofa Mobile Museum and hearing from local author Treava Hopkins-Laboy at Josiah Henson Museum and Park. There also will be an opportunity to work with the Montgomery Parks Archaeology Team at Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park.

Details on the Montgomery County events:

• Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park. Saturday, Nov. 2. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. All ages. Free to the cultural park. Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park.
• Josiah Henson Museum and Park. Saturday, Nov. 2. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. All ages. Free, thanks to sponsorship by Montgomery County Commission on Remembrance and Reconciliation. Josiah Henson Museum and Park.
• Oakley Cabin. Saturday, Nov. 2. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. All ages. Free. Meet the Montgomery Parks Archaeology Team. Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park.
• Harper Cabin. Sunday, Nov. 3. 1-4 p.m. All ages. Free. Brookside Nature Center.

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, click here.

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.

16th Annual Silver Spring Tribute to America's Veterans Concert on Friday, Nov. 8, Will Feature ‘The Patty Reese Band’

The 16th Annual Tribute to America’s Veterans concert presented by Silver Spring Town Center, Inc., will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, at Cissel-Saxon American Legion Post 41 in Silver Spring. The concert, which will feature The Patty Reese Band, is free to attend and is open to all.

American Legion Post 41 is technically located at 905 Sligo Parkway, but its entrance is at 8110 Fenton St. in Silver Spring. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the venue.

The guest speaker for the event will be Cynthia Izuno Macri, a doctor and captain with the U.S. Navy (retired). She is now a senior vice president and chief medical officer for EagleForce Health.

To reserve a place at the concert, click here. 

From performing 250 dates a year, solo acoustic and/or with the full band, Patty Reese has earned troubadour status. Her powerhouse vocals, strong work ethic and sharply honed songwriting skills paved the way for her latest release “Lift Us Up.”

When offered the opportunity to record on the Nashville-based Creative and Dreams label with a top- notch producer and fantastic studio, Patty was excited to explore the broad scope of Americana music including American roots, blues and soul showcasing her diverse vocal style and life experience.

A fan and critic favorite, Patty Reese has been recognized by the Washington, D.C. Area Music Association with 17 awards including artist, songwriter and album of the year.

The concert is presented in collaboration with the Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs, veterans of Post 41 and the Sons and Auxiliary of the American Legion.

As Veterans Day Approaches on Monday, Nov. 11, County Joins ‘Operation Green Light;’ Solemn Ceremonies Will Be Held; Additions Sought for Tribute to Veterans

As Veterans Day approaches on Monday, Nov. 11, Montgomery County will again join the national “Operation Green Light” salute to veterans and the County’s Commission on Veterans Affairs is seeking additions to its virtual tribute to County veterans. For those who want to attend ceremonies on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, several will be held around the County.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the County Council are supporting Operation Green Light, a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACO) to honor those who have made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom. The program asks for displays of green lights in a window of businesses or residences to honor veterans.

In November, Montgomery County’s Memorial Plaza, which is located adjacent to the County Executive Building at 101 Monroe St. in Rockville, will be lit with green lights.

More information about Operation Green Light is available on NACO's website.

As part of this year’s salute to veterans, the Montgomery Department of Transportation is wrapping a Ride On Bus with tributes to Operation Green Light and Veterans Day. In addition, 385 Ride On buses will have informational advertising cards with contact information for veterans resources and services. Those services can be accessed by calling ServingTogether at 855-738-7176, going to its website at www.servingtogetherproject.org or by going to the Commission on Veterans Affairs website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/veterans.

The commission encourages all veterans and their families to reach out to find out what resources, services and benefits are available in the County to support them.

Veterans Day ceremonies will be held at several locations throughout the County. Among those ceremonies will be:

• Sunday, Nov. 10. 2:30 p.m. Ninth Annual Veterans Day Program of Jewish War Veterans Post 692. American Jewish Veterans Memorial, Bender Jewish Community Center, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville. Keynote speaker will be Ross Cohen, deputy secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families. Veterans. Light refreshments will be served. Music by Voices of Vets. For more information, contact Joel Poznansky at joelpoz@hotmail.com or Chuck Miller at chuckmiller4@yahoo.com.
• Monday, Nov. 11. 10:45 a.m. Veterans Park, Bethesda. 63rd Annual Bethesda Veterans Day Ceremonies. Corner of Norfolk Avenue and Woodmont Avenue. Sponsored by Montgomery County’s Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services, the Bethesda Urban Partnership, the Kiwanis Club of Bethesda and Daughters of the American Revolution. More information is available here. Additional information is available by contacting brandan.stuckey@montgomerycountymd.gov.
• Monday, Nov. 11. 11 a.m. Veterans Park, at the intersection of MD Route 28 and Rockville Pike in Rockville. Rockville’s Mayor and Council will continue the city’s traditional ceremonies. American Legion Post 86 will lead the wreath-laying ceremony and its honor guard will present a 21-gun salute. Free parking will be available at Sandy Spring Bank, 611 Rockville Pike.
• Monday, Nov. 11. 11 a.m. The City of Gaithersburg’s annual Veterans Day Observance will take place at the City Hall Concert Pavilion. City officials and members of local veterans groups will honor those who have served in all branches of the military. Officials, veterans and community organizations will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony, followed by a reception inside City Hall. A reception with refreshments will immediately follow the ceremony in the City Hall Gallery. For more information, go to https://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation/special-events/veterans-day-observance .
• Monday, Nov. 11. 11 a.m. VFW Post 2562 and American Legion Post 268 host ceremonies at Wheaton Veterans Park, 11200 Amherst Ave. in Wheaton. For more information, go to https://vfw2562.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp.

The County’s Commission on Veterans Affairs is continuing to pay tribute to County veterans through a virtual “Tribute to Montgomery County Veterans” website. As Veterans Day approaches, the commission wants to add tributes to the site. The website is open to all residents who have served in military service.

In addition, there will be Montgomery County veterans’ tributes during the month of November in the display cases at the Rockville Memorial Library and the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza.

Many people confuse Memorial Day in May and Veterans Day in November. Memorial Day honors military personnel who died in service, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, the upcoming holiday is set aside to honor all of those who served honorably in the military—in wartime or peacetime. Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans and acknowledge their contributions to national security.

The commission is seeking to expand the Tribute to Montgomery County Veterans website by adding information on more veterans whose information is supplied either by the veterans themselves, by family members or by friends.

The tribute to veterans website can be found at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/veteransday. From this site, there is a link to the commission’s Fallen Heroes page at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/fallenheroes.

A veteran can share their story, or someone can share the story of a friend or family member, by filling out the Commission’s Google form or filling out the PDF form. Questions can be directed to MCCVA@montgomerycountymd.gov.

The following information is needed on the forms:

• Veteran's name.
• Name of person submitting information and relationship to the individual.
• Branch of service and rank.
• Years of service.
• Era served (WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Global War on Terror or peacetime/other).
• Brief narrative of their service.
• Connection to Montgomery County (where the individual currently lives, grew up, attended high school or college/university, etc.).
• Must have been issued a Department of Defense DD-214 veteran status.
• Photos (preferably one during their service and one present day).

By sending an e-mail to be included, the sender agrees to have the information shared on the County's website and in the Commission on Veterans Affairs social media.

To learn more about the Montgomery Commission on Veterans Affairs, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cva.

‘A New Direction for Permitting’ is Topic of Newest Permitting Podcast Featuring County Executive Marc Elrich

The newest Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) podcast episode, “A New Direction for Permitting,” features a discussion with County Executive Marc Elrich about recent improvements to streamline the permitting process, future code changes to ensure buildings are greener and safer, how innovation and technology are adding transparency, and the department’s focus on customer service.

DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan joins DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, who hosts the podcast, for this conversation.

Some of the improvements made following a 4Business tour the County Executive joined included changes to permitting processes and the introduction of new programs and services to improve the customer’s experience. Some of those enhancements include free virtual design consultations, the Customer Bill of Rights, the Permitting Dashboard, GIS maps and the new eSolar program.

“My job is to make sure people know where we are going with the permitting department and how it is really making a difference,” said County Executive Elrich. “We want to make sure that if you are doing business in Montgomery County or just trying to put a deck in your backyard that you get the support you need and you get it in a way that isn’t overly complicated.”

This Permitting Services Podcast episode, “A New Direction for Permitting,” is now available on the DPS website and various podcast platforms including Amazon, Apple and Spotify. It also is available at https://permittingservicespodcast.buzzsprout.com/.

“The Permitting Dashboard was one of the first improvements and it was launched to give customers some predictability and transparency to help them plan their projects,” said DPS Director Sabbakhan. “Technology plays a big role in these enhancements, and we are just getting started as we strive to become a world-class permitting department. Providing excellent customer service is key.”

Subscribe to the podcast by tapping the “follow” sign on the podcast provider’s platform. This episode is also available on video on the County’s YouTube channel and there are marked chapters to guide listeners and viewers to a particular topic including, Permitting for Business, Climate Action Plan, Innovation and Technology Improvements and a Focus on Customer Service.

Previous podcast episodes have addressed accessory dwelling units, building safety, deck permits, the Design for Life program, ePlans, home improvements, use and occupancy certificates, eSolar, fences, fire code compliance, GIS maps, the public right-of-way, septic systems, urban farming, vendor licenses and zoning.

Listeners are encouraged to send questions and ideas for future podcast episodes to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Earlier this year, the Permitting Services Podcast was recognized with a 2024 achievement award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) in the category of civic education and public information.

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

DPS is located at 2425 Reedie Drive, Seventh Floor, in Wheaton. The customer service lobby is open from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. An appointment is not necessary to get in-person assistance. Customers may also reach out to DPS staff by calling MC 311 or 240-777-0311. For more information about ePlans and eServices, visit the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps .

‘Speak Up, Save a Life’ Student Video Contest Has Increased Prizes for Top Selections

The annual “Speak Up, Save a Life” student video contest will have increased prize money for the top selections as the County Office of the State’s Attorney has partnered with the “Good Samaritan Fund” to make the intriguing contest even more inspiring. The contest challenges teenagers to create an original video to promote awareness about the dangers of illicit opioids, fentanyl and the risk of overdose. Videos must be submitted by Tuesday, Nov. 12.

The video contest is open to students in grades 6-12 who live in Montgomery County. The 2024 contest is now open and accepting entries. To register, click on this link.

The top prize for this year’s contest will be $4,000. The second-place selection will earn $2,000. The third-place award and “fan favorite” winners will receive $750 each.

The prize money has been donated by The Magnolia Companies in honor of two young Montgomery County residents lost to fentanyl: Michael Pisarra and Matthew Loudon.

For more information about the contest, and to view the winners of the 2023 contest, go to Speak Up Save A Life Video Contest.

An Adult Scavenger Hunt, an Afternoon on a Pontoon Boat and Treasure Hunting in Wheaton Regional Park Are Among Nature Center Special Events in November

An adult scavenger hunt at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, an afternoon pontoon boat ride at Black Hills Park in Boys and a treasure hunt in Wheaton Regional Park are among the variety of special events Montgomery Parks will host in November at Montgomery County nature centers.

The schedule of November nature center special programs will include:

• Project Feederwatch. Thursdays and Fridays in November. 11 a.m.–noon. Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda. Become a citizen scientist and count the different species of birds visiting feeders. All skill levels welcome. Bring your binoculars and your love for nature. Ages 5 and older. Registration required. Free.
• Ready, Set, Go! Friday, Nov. 1. 7-9 p.m. Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton. Adults-only scavenger hunt is back with all new missions. Grab friends for a nature-themed adventure using the GooseChase app and unleash your inner explorer. Ages 18 and older. Registration required. $15 per person.
• Maydale Community Celebration. Saturday, Nov. 2. 1-4 p.m. Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville. Join an afternoon of fun and festivities that will include live music, cozy campfires with s’mores, hands-on apple cider making and crafts for all ages. There may be a special visit from Smokey Bear. All ages. Free.
• Afternoon on the Pontoon. Saturday, Nov. 2. 1:30-2:30 p.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m. Black Hill Boats, 20920 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds. A leisurely cruise on a pontoon boat along Little Seneca Lake. Keep an eye out for local wildlife. Ages 6 and older. Registration required. $7 per person ($6, Friends of Black Hill).
• Teen High Adventure Excursions: Hiking at Great Falls. Monday, Nov. 4. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville. School is out on Nov. 4. Join a hike along the cliffs of Great Falls along Section A of the Billy Goat Trail and take in exquisite views of the Potomac River and local flora and fauna. Registration required. Ages 12–15. $50 per person.
• Nature Explorers. Thursday, Nov. 7, and Tuesday, Nov. 12. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville. Little adventurers will dive into the wonders of wildlife. Join us for fun activities exploring “Super Seeds” on Nov. 7, and “Turkey Talk” on Nov. 12, just in time for Thanksgiving. Registration required. Ages 3–5. $6 per person.
• Black Hill Van Trips: Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Thursday, Nov. 14. 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Black Hill Discovery Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds. Embark on a journey to Delaware’s Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge Center for outstanding views of snow geese, dabbling ducks, and eagles. Ages 18 and older. Registration required. $60 per person ($58, Friends of Black Hill).
• Treasure Hunting in Wheaton Regional Park. Saturday, Nov. 23. 10 a.m.-noon. Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton. Join an exciting geocaching adventure led by a park naturalist seeking hidden caches. Ages 8 and older. Registration required. $7 per person.

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

Alcohol Beverage Services Partners with MCGEO for ‘Labor of Love’ Initiative to Benefit March of Dimes

Montgomery County’s Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) and UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO, in conjunction with County Executive Marc Elrich, are supporting the “Labor of Love” initiative benefiting March of Dimes. The campaign will take place throughout the month of November.

All ABS retail stores, including its new Oak Barrel & Vine stores, will be asking customers if they want to make donations to support March of Dimes and the Labor of Love initiative. Customers also will be asked if they want to round up their invoices to the nearest dollar.

ABS and UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO have set a goal of raising $70,000 in the initiative, with monies raised to help March of Dimes improve maternal health, help babies be healthy and strong and protect the health of families through programs and advocacy.

The campaign is now in its third year. Customers of ABS stores contributed more than $53,000 in 2022 and more than $65,000 in 2023, for a two-year total of $118,000.

“For more than 80 years, the March of Dimes has been improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature births and lowering infant mortality rates,” said County Executive Elrich. “I want to thank ABS and MCGEO for teaming up to support the March of Dimes through their ‘Labor of Love’ campaign. In addition to the health and safety benefits ABS provides Montgomery County through safe alcohol distribution, we are proud of the contributions of ABS employees through volunteering, fundraising and supporting nonprofit partners like the March of Dimes.”

The March of Dimes approach:

• Fund and support innovative research to solve the biggest problems in maternal and infant health.
• Advocate for prioritization our nation’s moms and babies and action to improve their health.
• Educate and help every family have healthy pregnancies regardless of wealth, race, gender or geography.

“Supporting March of Dimes is a great way for us all to give back to our local community,” said ABS Director Kathie Durbin. “ABS has always been committed to public health and safety, and this campaign is a natural extension of that commitment. Together we can help ensure that every mom and every baby have the best possible start.”

The U.S. remains one of the most dangerous developed countries to give birth. Two women die from pregnancy related issues each day, two babies die every hour in the U.S. and one in 10 is born too soon. Learn more about March of Dimes at www.marchofdimes.org.

ABS is the alcohol wholesaler of beer, wine and spirits for Montgomery County and operates 27 retail stores throughout the County. In addition, ABS manages alcohol licensing, enforcement and education for more than 1,000 businesses. Generating more than $35 million in net income annually, its profits are used to pay down County debt with a large portion deposited in the general fund to pay for resident services that would otherwise be funded by County tax dollars.

Montgomery County Public Libraries Celebrates Native American Heritage Month and Military Family Month in November with Free Events

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will celebrate Native American Heritage Month and Military Family Month in November with two special events. The Rockville Memorial Library will host a musical storytelling program featuring Mwalim “DaPhunkee Professor” Peters, highlighting cultural intersections between African and First Nations people, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14. The Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library will present a discussion with Alexandra N. Harris from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian on the history of Native American military service at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

“November offers us the opportunity to reflect on the rich heritage and contributions of Native Americans, as well as the sacrifices made by military families,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “These events offer a space for meaningful conversations and learning, from exploring the deep cultural ties between African and First Nations people to honoring the legacy of Native Americans in our armed forces. They remind us of our shared history and the diverse threads that strengthen our community, and I encourage everyone to attend.”

Morgan James Peters, a nationally recognized educator and lecturer from the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe known as Mwalim “DaPhunkee Professor,” will appear in Rockville as part of MCPL’s “Contemporary Conversations” program. Peters will present a musical storytelling experience that explores the cultural intersections between African and First Nations people, foundational to American culture.

Mr. Peters is an acclaimed artist and scholar recognized for his contributions to oral tradition through various forms of media, including music, literature and theater. He is a founding member of his tribe’s Educational Department and a tenured associate professor of English and Black Studies at UMass Dartmouth.

The Rockville Library is located at 21 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. Registration is required. For more information and to register, click here.

This program is co-sponsored by Friends of the Library, Montgomery County; the Montgomery County Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice; the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights; the Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships and Classrooms 2 Community.

The Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library will present “Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces.” The free program will feature Alexandra N. Harris, senior editor at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. She will discuss her co-authored book, which chronicles the significant history of service by American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians in the U.S. military.

The Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library is located at 900 Wayne Ave. in Silver Spring. Registration is required. For more information and to register, click here. The event is sponsored by Friends of the Library, Montgomery County.

Visit MCPL's event calendar to view a list of additional virtual and in-person programs celebrating Native American Heritage Month.

Marylanders Can Order Free COVID Tests to Be Sent Via Mail

Marylanders can now order another round of free COVID-19 nasal swab tests that will be delivered directly to their homes. Each household can get four tests through COVIDtests.gov.

Already have some at home? Check here to see if your tests' expiration dates have been extended.

Forms to apply for the kits can be accessed at this link.

Updated rapid tests are expected to be able to detect newer variants just as a new COVID variant, XEC, arrives in Maryland. It is a member of the Omicron family.

The availability of free at-home tests comes just after the Food and Drug Administration approved two updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging everyone 6 months or older to get a new shot this fall since last year's shots were geared toward a strain that is no longer around.

As flu and RSV season approaches, health officials recommend residents stock up on tests and update all vaccinations.

Registration for Recreation’s Winter Programs Begins Wednesday, Nov. 13

Registration for Montgomery County Recreation’s winter classes and programs will begin at 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, for County residents. Registration for senior programming (including Bone Builders) will begin at 9 a.m.

Non-County residents will be able to register beginning Friday, Nov. 15.

“As the days begin to shorten and the weather gets colder, we are proud to have programs like the ones offered by Montgomery County Recreation that keep our residents healthy and connected,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Our Recreation team offers many options that I encourage our community members to explore and sign up for this winter.”

Winter programs will become viewable online at activemontgomery.org on Friday, Nov. 1. Winter offerings include fitness, sports, visual and performing arts, therapeutic recreation and more. You will then be able to view the digital guide and explore dozens of programs and activities for a variety of interests, skill levels and ages.

To help ease the experience on registration day, start planning now. Log in to your ActiveMONTGOMERY account ahead of time to make sure all your information is up to date. The ActiveMONTGOMERY wish list feature will help create a personalized list of programs in your account that can be recalled quickly for reference or to purchase on registration day. Learn more.

On Wednesday, Nov. 13, in-person registration will be available at 6:30 a.m. at the administrative offices in Wheaton, located at 2425 Reedie Drive, 10th floor, and at the County’s aquatic centers. In-person registration will also be available at all other recreation facilities during regular business hours. Online registration at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org is encouraged.

For more information about registration, visit the website or call 240-777-6840.

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 free financial seminar in November on "all things money." The seminar is open to all and will be led by financial and investment advisors Jamie Lapin and Thiago Glieger. It will take place via Zoom from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

To register for the seminar, visit the link below. The Zoom link will be provided after registering. This is an opportunity to take control of your financial future. Reserve your spot today and embark on the path to financial well-being.

• 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 send an email.

 

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 Friday, Nov. 22. Brookside Gardens is located at 1800 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 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.