October 11, 2024

Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

Dear Friends,

I got a welcome surprise on my weekly media briefing when four members of Maryland Task Force 1 joined me and Fire Chief Corey Smedley for a quick update on their two weeks of helping hurricane victims in Georgia and North Carolina.

The group shared the photo below before returning home. Their work to save lives during and in the immediate aftermath of big storms like Helene and Milton is amazing. If you would like to hear more from Battalion Chief Chase Fabrizio and the returning crews, follow this link.


More professionals from our area were ordered by FEMA to move in and help in the wake of Hurricane Milton. I want to thank the Maryland Task Force 1 team for answering the call and those that support this important group. It takes coordination to leave Montgomery County adequately covered while so many of our professionals are on assignment elsewhere. I asked the firefighters on the briefing to convey my thanks to their departments for supporting these efforts and keeping Montgomery County safe.

Planning Strategies Move Us In the Wrong Direction


Following up on my comments last week on two proposals that are before the County Council: the Growth and Infrastructure Policy (GIP) and the Attainable Housing Strategies (AHS), I want to explain their connection to each other and why the County Planning Board’s recommendations would negatively shape the future of our budget and the services we provide.

I want to be clear that, at this point, these comments are about the Planning Board’s proposals on the AHS and the GIP. The Council committee has made some improvements regarding the GIP, which goes to the full council next week.

The GIP is supposed to be the implementation tool for the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO). The APFO was created in response to public frustration with growth that came without the necessary infrastructure and the means to pay for it. This is a policy that has been in place for years, with the goal of making sure new development does not outpace the services and facilities we need to support it. That view changed as developer contributions to campaigns grew, and memories of the efforts it took to create this policy faded. The planning board and various councils began eroding the traffic and school standards and, most importantly, reduced the developer share of the costs for this infrastructure.

When I became a County Councilmember in 2007, we were able to strengthen the ordinance, but now the standards are worse. The payments we receive are less. Subsequent Councils did not insist on adequate funding from developers and did not want the political consequences of raising taxes on residents, so the County went down the worst possible path—reducing revenues. We have seen five reductions since 2013, weakening the definition of what is “adequate.”

The easiest solution was to redefine the adequacy tests so that nothing failed. That is part of why we have a backlog of school and transportation projects, and a bond policy that has held bond spending pretty much unchanged for seven years. Because of inflation, we have less ability to address a growing list of needs. The Planning Board’s proposed GIP is another blow in the wrong direction: fewer revenues and more exemptions from standards.

As proposed, the AHS would rezone 82 percent of the County’s single-family homes, opening neighborhoods up to denser development such as duplexes, triplexes, quads and multi-unit housing. If it were to pass as is, it would invite growth without planning for the infrastructure to accompany that growth.

At least one Planning Board member and staff have said the APFO would address the infrastructure problem. That is a nice concept, and might have been true in 2007, but because of what I outlined above, the standards and fees are no longer adequate for needs.

While the Planning Board advocates dense growth deep into single-family neighborhoods, it has also recommended a GIP that would cut the funding needed to support growth.

With growth comes increased infrastructure needs for transportation, schools, and stormwater systems. The GIP is supposed to address increased traffic and parking problems, overcrowded schools and flooding.

The Office of Management and Budget estimates that the Planning Board’s recommendations for the GIP would reduce the County’s revenue by about $28 million over the next six years. That is $28 million we will not have for transportation and schools. We are creating an inevitability of overcrowded classrooms. This is not just theory—it is what we have seen happen in parts of the County when development is not matched by infrastructure improvements.

But here is the worst part: the growth that you are being told is coming has already been planned for. The growth numbers are based on estimates by all planning boards in the region for how much of what they have already zoned will get built over the next 30 years. We planned out expected growth, and there are plenty of opportunities to build housing of all types inside these plans, particularly if the Planning Board backed off its obsession with high rises and zoned some areas for lower buildings that could be built far more affordably.

The disconnect between pushing dense growth and cutting the funding to support it does not add up. Infrastructure must accompany the development – it cannot be an afterthought.

I have said it before, and I will say it again: We cannot afford to “do harm” to our infrastructure funding through this GIP approval process. Passing this policy as proposed by the Planning Board would be harmful. We have to be able to fund the roads, schools and transit systems that our growing population will need. And cutting $28 million in revenue without a clear plan to replace it would leave us without the means to do that.

Without implementation of the APFO, residents end up shouldering the entire cost—either by paying for the infrastructure or by suffering the consequences of insufficient infrastructure like traffic and overcrowded schools.

The Planning Board has proposed a workgroup to explore replacement revenue. But there are no specifics and meanwhile, the revenues would decline. Four years ago, a different County Council cut the impact taxes, especially impacting school funding. I vetoed that bill because of harm to revenues. That Council overrode the veto and later increased recordation taxes, on residents particularly, to compensate for the loss of revenue by cutting the developer share. I do not think anyone wants to do that again.

I have long supported the idea of special taxing districts—similar to what Northern Virginia has successfully implemented—where developers and commercial property contribute their fair share to fund the infrastructure that supports their projects. But we cannot afford to cut funding now while hoping that a new system will be put in place sometime in the future.

In Tysons, the county tax on commercial property is $1.51; in Montgomery, it is $1.04. So Tysons-area companies are not fleeing to pay taxes that are almost 50 percent higher than ours. In fact, they asked for higher taxes so that Fairfax County could build the infrastructure companies need to grow their businesses and economies.

I hope we can seriously reconsider the Planning Board’s recommendations. We all want to see the County grow, but we need to make sure it grows in a sustainable and fair way. Let’s ensure we do not underfund the infrastructure that supports our growth and that the growth we are planning for benefits all our residents.

Grand Opening of Millipore Sigma Building


There is a big new addition to the Great Seneca corridor. This week Millipore Sigma held a grand opening for its new space in Rockville, near the Universities of Shady Grove.

The building is spectacular, with 250,000 square feet devoted to biosafety testing, which is a critical stage in the drug approval process. It is essential for developed drugs to be tested so they can pass safety benchmarks and make it to the marketplace. The new facility is a $286 million project and represents an $8 million investment in automation technologies.

Through the years, I have met employees at this company who worked at different locations spread across Montgomery County when it was known as BioReliance. Millipore Sigma bought out BioReliance, which had a more than 75-year history in Montgomery County, but nothing like this new state of the art facility.

This opening helps the company grow to 870 employees locally, with the expectation of at least another 300 jobs over the next several years. Having all the employees in one location in the County will enable them to collaborate and innovate more easily while serving pharma clients here and around the world.

Maryland's Secretary of Commerce, Kevin Anderson, joined us for the opening. The State loaned the company $1 million through the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Advantage Maryland program. The project also benefited from a $100,000 incentive package from our County’s Economic Development Fund.

This addition comes on the heels of recent expansion announcements from United Therapeutics and AstraZeneca, as well as development of the new University of Maryland- Institute for Health Computing. This is a strong sign that we not only have a robust biohealth industry already in place, but that we continue to grow. We will continue to be the heart of the nation's third-ranked hub for life science companies and welcome expansions like this to Montgomery County.

Save a Life: Donate Blood

The American Red Cross this summer saw the national blood supply fall by 25 percent. Blood supplies were needed faster than donations were coming in. That happened even after the organization declared a national emergency due to the shortage of blood in January.


I encourage everyone to help replenish the blood supply. One opportunity to do that is happening from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20, at the Public Safety Training Academy on Snouffer School Road in Montgomery Village.

The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service will hold a blood drive in memory of local firefighters Carlos Alfaro, Senior and Junior. Both father and son were lost way too soon from occupational illnesses.

In 2009, Carlos Senior died after four years of treatments for multiple myeloma, which required several bone marrow transplants and many units of blood throughout the course of the illness. It came three years after Carlos Junior died from liver disease, another ailment that required multiple blood transfusions and a liver transplant. Both were born in Peru, but spent 30 and 18 years, respectively, serving Silver Spring through the Fire and Rescue Service. They were deeply devoted men who helped our community and their homeland as well.

I hope you can support this blood drive because there are many good reasons to.

Treatment Facility Opens, Data Shows Overdose Improvements

I want to provide an update on our efforts to help parents and youth dealing with drug use issues.

In September, the County started taking advantage of a new substance use treatment facility for youth available in Maryland. The County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) worked in partnership with the Maryland Department of Health and Behavioral Health Administration to fund the reopening of the inpatient treatment program for adolescents. Even though it is not physically located in Montgomery County, more than half of the admissions so far have been Montgomery County youth in need of help.

I want to thank the State for its work in providing these needed resources. Starting two years ago, we heard from the community about the need for an in-patient option for minors in need of recovery from substance use. This facility is a welcome addition.

We are also working to find other solutions. Earlier this week, our DHHS team was back in the community listening to the public about ways to use opioid abatement funds. These are millions of dollars allotted to support services in the County from legal settlements reached with drug companies over opioids and fentanyl.

We have taken a holistic approach to the problem by increasing awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, a synthetic drug 50 times more powerful than heroin. We have also made anti-overdose drugs like Narcan widely available. Our DHHS professionals have also been proactive in hosting community meetings and using our community and state partners to address concerns. An update from the Centers for Disease Control shows that nationwide, there has been a sharp decline in overdose deaths. It amounts to a 10 percent drop in deaths over the previous 12-month period.


On Wednesday, Rahul Gupta, the director of the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy and Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller were in Montgomery County to get a look at the wellness centers of Montgomery County Public Schools. The County operates 16 Health and Wellness Centers in our schools, focused on a comprehensive range of services. They include preventive medical care, sick care, mental health, social services and other services that promote positive youth development in a familiar and family friendly environment.  Addressing the mental health of students is crucial, and these community resources help us do that to provide the support for every student.

I am proud of the work our County is doing to help address concerns around mental health substance use in the County. I hope we continue to see positive developments from these efforts and a continuing decline in overdoses moving forward. If you would like to keep up with local overdose reports from our emergency responders, visit knowtherisksmd.org.

New Event Tied to Breast Cancer Awareness


Montgomery County is cohosting “The Park Goes Pink for Breast Cancer” at Wheaton Regional Park from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12. The free event aims to highlight the importance of early detection and the need for regular screenings and education to address this life-threatening disease.

I want to thank Maryland Delegate Pamela Queen for joining me this week during my weekly media briefing and the African American Health Program for leading the way on this initiative. The event will feature free health screenings, giveaways, raffles, music and local vendors. Breast cancer survivors and caregivers will receive special recognition.

There are many people in our community, including Delegate Queen, with first-hand knowledge of the breast cancer battle. She is a survivor and one of many people with encouragement and lessons to share.

Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths for females in Maryland after lung cancer. There are significant racial disparities between Black women and White women for breast cancer mortality, with Black women diagnosed more often at a later stage.

Another problem noted by Montgomery County’s Public Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis is that despite low rates of breast cancer in Black women, the mortality rate remains high because it is not detected until too late.

Preventative measures and early detection are crucial in treating the disease effectively and saving lives. The National Breast Cancer Foundation has a three-step guide to early detection that includes information about self-exams, what to expect during a doctor’s visit and guides next steps after a mammogram.

To learn more about the different ways to detect cancer early, visit the African American Health Program website at aahpmontgomerycounty.org.

Interfaith Outreach on Climate Change Event


Our faith community is nationally known for being one of the most diverse places of worship in the nation. Those organizations are also good at working together, which is one reason we decided to bring together as many as possible to help with our climate crisis.

Faith leaders and representatives from houses of worship are invited to attend "Climate Solutions for Congregations" from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s Wheaton headquarters. The summit will focus on the benefits of environmental stewardship. It will bring together different congregations to expand outreach and connect faith communities to grant opportunities for green infrastructure.

Our faith communities have been important partners in helping combat hunger, provide for the needy, address health disparities and address divisions and hate. We already working with them on developing affordable housing on their excess property. They can also play an important role in addressing the climate crisis both locally and globally. We are asking everyone to think about reducing their carbon footprint as we try to combat climate change.

The County has taken unprecedented steps over the past few years toward a cleaner and safer place to live for everyone. That effort continues this budget cycle, which you can see here. This summit is a great way to advance climate-smart programs that benefit the entire community.

Office of Food Resilience Funds Grants for Local Growers


The County’s Office of Food Systems Resilience has announced how community grant money will be distributed to help increase the amount of locally produced food that benefits families in need.

The Farm to Food Bank Collaborative Funding Program awarded $134,000 to 10 farms in Montgomery County. The mission of this grant program is to support long-term resilience in the food supply and to enhance nutritious options for residents receiving help with groceries.

On the recipient’s side, grant money will go toward purchasing equipment that improves day-to-day operations in a number of ways. Farms will be able to expand the amount of food they grow, store and share. Investing in community partners is a great way to help show that that their role is essential in the local food chain.

Our local farms play a critical role in ensuring that fresh, healthy food is available to our residents, especially those experiencing food insecurity. A report released a few weeks ago by the Montgomery County Food Council found a five percent jump in the need for help from last year and the highest rate of demand the group has ever seen.

The issue of hunger is hitting families due to rising costs of living. Nearly one out of every three people in our region in need of assistance has a college degree and three out of four have jobs, but are still struggling to feed their families.

The Office of Food Systems Resilience worked with Manna Food Center to determine the recipients of these grants. The Morningstar Foundation also provided nearly $30,000 so that more of these products can be refrigerated and help more families. I want to thank our partners for helping get this grant money into the hands of people who can turn it into more nutritious options for families.

Yom Kippur Begins on Oct. 11


Yom Kippur begins this evening, Friday, Oct. 11, and continues through sundown on Saturday. For the Jewish community, it is a day of reflection, repentance and reverence.

It is also a time to hope that the coming year brings peace to all.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day


For the fourth consecutive year, Montgomery County will honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the second Monday of October. We stand with numerous other municipalities in forgoing Columbus Day recognition to pay tribute to the men and women who lived in North America before the European explorers. Columbus was not a good human being, and he opened the new world to hundreds of years of brutal subjugation to enrich the kings, queens and nobles of Europe.

We have a responsibility to own the truth that these continents were not “discovered” by Christopher Columbus. They already were occupied by many people. The mistreatment of our indigenous people continues today, and we should be cognizant of that. It is not ancient history—it is ongoing.

I remember when people first started asking why we should be celebrating someone as bad as Columbus. It was not immediately accepted, but over time, people came to learn of what he did when he got here, and it made many of us uncomfortable. As a County, we pride ourselves on our diversity, but among those different groups and nationalities, there are 30,000 Marylanders with indigenous roots and close to seven million nationwide. This is an important day to recognize and acknowledge our history.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich
County Executive

October 9, 2024

African American Health Program to Host ‘The Park Goes Pink for Breast Cancer’ on Saturday, Oct. 12

Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ African American Health Program to Host ‘The Park Goes Pink for Breast Cancer’ on Saturday, Oct. 12


The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) African American Health Program (AAHP) will host its inaugural “The Park Goes Pink for Breast Cancer,” a free event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Wheaton Regional Park.

The AAHP is partnering with Maryland State Delegate Pamela Queen, Montgomery County Recreation, the Montgomery Parks Department and McFarland and Associates to celebrate breast cancer survivors and caregivers and to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Wheaton Regional Park is located at 2000 Shorefield Road in Wheaton. On-site parking is limited. Free shuttle service from Kennedy High School (1901 Randolph Road in Wheaton) will be available for attendees.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month highlights the importance of early detection and the need for regular screenings and education to address this life-threatening disease,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “I applaud the County’s African American Health Program and Delegate Queen for organizing and hosting ‘The Park Goes Pink for Breast Cancer.’ I encourage everyone to attend the event on Oct. 12 to take advantage of free health screenings and to learn more about the resources available for those affected by breast cancer and their caregivers.”

The event will include free health screenings, giveaways, raffles, music and local vendors. Breast cancer survivors and caregivers will receive special recognition. Free food and drink will be offered while supplies last.

“I am pleased to partner with the County on this important event,” said Delegate Queen. “As a 15-year breast cancer survivor whose late diagnosis resulted in aggressive treatment including chemotherapy, a mastectomy and radiation, I know first-hand the importance of education and awareness programs to increase early breast cancer detection. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for females in Maryland after lung cancer and there are significant racial disparities between Black women and White women for breast cancer mortality with Black women diagnosed more often at a later stage.”

The event is free, but registration is encouraged. To register, click here.

The African American Health Program is funded and administered by DHHS and implemented by McFarland and Associates. For more information, visit the AAHP website.

Tuesday, Oct. 15, Will Be First Day to Reserve Meeting Rooms in County Libraries from Jan. 1-June 30


The opening day to request use of Montgomery County Public Libraries meeting rooms for dates of use Jan. 1 through June 30 will be Tuesday, Oct. 15. Registration will begin online at 6:30 a.m.

Meeting rooms provide an opportunity for bringing together County resources, community activities and support groups, etc. The rooms provide space for meetings, training and seminars of a civic, cultural or educational nature.
 
For more information about reserving spaces through the Community Use of Public Facilities interagency coordinating board, see the blog posts at the Community Use Bridge, call 240-777-2725 or email cupf@montgomerycountymd.gov.

County-Operated Vaccination Clinics Will Administer Free Flu Vaccinations


Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich is joining County health officials in urging all residents to protect themselves and their families by getting vaccinated against the flu. The County will offer free flu vaccination clinics for adults and children in October and November.

While the flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19, it has been shown to reduce the risk of flu-related illness, hospitalization and death.

Seasonal flu vaccinations are available through private health providers and at retail locations throughout the community. The County-sponsored seasonal flu vaccination clinics will include immunizations for adults and children ages six months and older. The County will offer flu shots only. A high-dose flu vaccine for those 65 and older will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“I encourage everyone to get their flu shot this season,” said County Executive Elrich. “It is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself, your family and those around you. A flu shot can make all the difference in preventing serious illness, especially for those at higher risk of complications, like older adults or people with underlying health conditions. Those who should particularly consider getting the flu vaccine include older adults, health care workers, household members of infants younger than six months and individuals with chronic illnesses."

The schedule for County-operated clinics:
  • Wednesday, Oct. 16. 2-6 p.m. Universities at Shady Grove 9630 Gudelsky Drive, Building II, Rockville. Make an appointment for anyone six months of age and older.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 23. 2-6 p.m. Universities at Shady Grove 9630 Gudelsky Drive, Building II, Rockville. Make an appointment for anyone six months of age and older.
Paid visitor parking is available in the Traville Gateway Garage or Shady Grove Garage. See parking map for more information.

The clinics are a partnership between Montgomery County Health and Human Services and the University of Maryland System.

Additional flu clinics for anyone six months and older include:
  • Saturday, Oct. 19. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Global Health Community Health Fair Clifton Baptist Church 8818 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring. Make an appointment for anyone six months and older.
  • Saturday, Nov. 3. 10 a.m-2 p.m. Sri Lanka Community Buddhist Temple 2600 Elmont St., Silver Spring. Make an appointment for anyone six months of age and older.
  • Monday, Nov. 4. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dennis Avenue Health Center 2000 Dennis Ave., Silver Spring. Make an appointment for anyone six months of age and older.
  • Saturday, Nov. 9. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dennis Avenue Health Center 2000 Dennis Ave., Silver Spring. Make an appointment for anyone six months of age and older.
  • Saturday, Nov. 16. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dennis Avenue Health Center 2000 Dennis Ave., Silver Spring. Make an appointment for anyone six months of age and older.
School-age children up to 18 years of age also can visit the weekly Immunization Clinic to receive a flu vaccine. The clinic is held every Tuesday from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Dennis Avenue Health Center, but appointments are required. Call 240-777-1050 for an appointment.

The best way to prevent seasonal flu is by getting vaccinated each year, In addition, good health habits can help reduce the spread of germs and prevent illnesses like the flu. These habits include:

  • Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then discard the tissue. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing and before eating. Alcohol hand sanitizer (at least 60 percent alcohol) will help if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as germs can easily enter the body through these areas.
  • Stay away from people who are sick, and if you are sick, keep your distance to prevent spreading illness to others.
  • Monitor yourself and your family for symptoms of fever, which may include chills, headache, sore throat, cough, body aches, vomiting or diarrhea.
  • If you are feeling unwell, stay home from work, school and other public places until you are healthy again.

For more information, visit the flu-area of the County’s website.

Marylanders Can Order Free COVID Tests to be Sent Via Mail

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.

Next ‘Community Conversation’ on Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Planning with County Executive Elrich Will Be Wednesday, Oct. 16, in Silver Spring



Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the County’s regional services offices and community partners are hosting 11 "Community Conversations" throughout the fall 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 Silver Spring area, from 7-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at the Silver Spring Civic Building.

The Silver Spring Civic Building is located at 1 Veterans Pl. in Silver Spring.

Each of the 11 forums will be held online, so the public can participate remotely. Click here to view online.

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 Community Conversations will be live-streamed 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.

County Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 Inductees Will Include Lafond, Rabil, Onyewu, Skarupa, Thomas and Windsor


The Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame (MCSHF) has announced that it will induct six new members in its 2025. The new honorees are Olympic gold medal winner triple jumper Thea Lafond, soccer player Oguchi Onyewu, four-time all-America lacrosse player Paul Rabil, Olympic gold medal-winning hockey player Haley Skarupa, late high school football coach Al Thomas and former NFL star Bob Windsor.

This is the sixth class of the County Sports Hall of Fame, which found a new home this year at the Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center. This year’s inductees will join 29 others who were previously inducted into the Hall of Fame. The induction ceremonies will be held on Sunday, May 4, at the Silver Spring Civic Building.

“These men and women have brought recognition and honor to our community in their respective fields,” said MCSHF Board of Directors Chair Bob Milloy. “It is a stellar group and the induction ceremony will be one fabulous evening.”

More information about the hall of fame, including details on the hall members, can be found at www.MCSHF.org.

Details on the newly selected members of the County Sports Hall of Fame:
  • Thea Lafond, a special education teacher at Kennedy High School in Silver Spring, won the gold medal in the women’s triple jump in the 2024 Paris Olympics, representing the Caribbean island of Dominica. She was born in Dominica and became that country’s first Olympic gold medal winner. Her family emigrated to the U.S. when she was a child and she attended Kennedy High School and then the University of Maryland. At Maryland, she competed in several track and field events including heptathlon and indoor pentathlon. She competed in the triple jump at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics before winning gold at the 2024 Olympics. Lafond also won gold medals at the 2024 indoor world championships.
  • Oguchi Onyewu was a professional soccer player for 15 years, including 10 as a member of the U.S. national team, playing in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups. The former Sherwood High School star attended Clemson University before beginning his pro career in 2002. Onyewu played in France, England, Italy, Belgium, Portugal, Spain and The Netherlands before ending his career in the United States. The center back defender spent much of his career with Standard Liege in Belgium, where he played in 139 games. He has served on the boards of several organizations and has been a soccer and Special Olympics ambassador. He spent two years on the board of directors of U.S. Soccer before being named vice president of sporting for U.S. Soccer in 2023. In that role, he oversaw dozens of men’s, women’s and youth national teams.
  • Paul Rabil is widely regarded as one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time. The Gaithersburg native attended Watkins Mill and DeMatha high schools before heading to Johns Hopkins University, where he was a four-time All-America. His Hopkins teams won NCAA national championships in 2005 and 2007, and he won the Mclaughlin Award as the nation’s best midfielder in 2007. Rabil began his pro career in 2008 playing in both Major League Lacrosse and the indoor National Lacrosse League. He was a two-time league MVP of Major League Lacrosse while being part of two league championship teams. He ended his career as the all-time points leader in professional lacrosse with 657 points across 14 seasons. In 2018, Rabil and his brother Mike co-founded the Premier Lacrosse League. He also founded the Rabil Companies, which help grow the sport of lacrosse.
  • Haley Skarupa is an Olympic gold medal winner and member of three world championship teams in women’s ice hockey. The Wootton High School graduate began her junior career with the local Washington Pride team before attending Boston College, where she scored 244 points in 144 games. She was a two-time finalist for the Kazmaier national player of the year award. Skarupa began her professional career in 2016 and played for seven years in the National Women’s Hockey League and the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association. She retired in 2023. She has worked as a hockey ambassador for the Washington Capitals and in 2023 became USA Hockey’s head scout for the women’s national team.
  • Al Thomas was one of the most successful high school football coaches in Maryland history, leading teams to eight Maryland state championships. A native of Johnsburg, Pa., Thomas came to Montgomery County after college to be a teacher and coach. In 1964, he took his first coaching job as an assistant at Gaithersburg High School under John Harvill, who was already on his way to a historic career that also led him into the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame. After 10 years there, Thomas was hired to become head coach at Seneca Valley High School in Germantown. His teams there went to win five Maryland state championships. He moved on to Damascus High, where the Swarmin’ Hornets won two state titles. He then took over at Sherwood High in Sandy Spring and won another state championship. Thomas created some unique nicknames for his teams that still are going strong today: Seneca Valley became known as the Screamin’ Eagles; the Hornets of Damascus unofficially adapted the Swarmin’ Hornets name; and the Sherwood Warriors took on the nickname of the Stormin’ Warriors. Overall, his teams won 242 games in nearly four decades of coaching. Thomas passed away in 2016.
  • Bob Windsor spent nine seasons in the NFL, playing tight end played for the San Francisco 49ers and the New England Patriots. At Blair High School in Silver Spring, he excelled in football, basketball and track. He began his college career at Montgomery College before going on to play at Kentucky. He was drafted by teams in the AFL and NFL (before the leagues merged) and chose to play for the 49ers in the NFL. After his career, Windsor ran a successful sporting goods business and served as a teacher and coach at several Montgomery County schools.
The MCSHF is a nonprofit organization established in 2018. Its objectives are to build a better community through sports and to develop and support such programs.

‘Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Offs’ Program Now in Place at Three Farmers Markets


The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has launched its Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Offs program at three farmers markets throughout the County. Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Offs provide residents with the opportunity to recycle their food scraps through composting.

The following food scraps can be recycled at a drop-off location:
  • Bread and grains
  • Coffee grounds and tea leaves (remove filters)
  • Cooked food
  • Dairy (cheese and yogurt)
  • Eggshells
  • Fruit and vegetable scraps (including pumpkins)
  • Meat, fish and bones
"Recycling food scraps is a simple step we can all take to reduce waste and make a positive impact on the environment,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “By offering food scraps recycling drop-offs at our farmers markets, we’re making it easier for residents to compost and support our zero-waste goals. These efforts are about changing habits and making sure more of what we get rid of gets put to good use. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this program.”

Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Offs operate during the same times as the farmers markets. Food scraps can be dropped off year-round at these three farmers markets:
  • Bethesda Central Farmers Market. 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sundays. 7600 Arlington Road, Bethesda.
  • Downtown Silver Spring Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. 1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring.
  • Olney Farmers and Artists Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays. Maryland Route 108 and Prince Phillip Drive, Olney.
Note: Visit the website for farmers markets updates and changes.

“The Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Off Program continues our progress in cutting down the amount of food scraps thrown in the trash,” said DEP Director Jon Monger. “That progress starts with each of us in our own homes and kitchens – when you make your next meal or snack – by keeping your food scraps out of the trash, we can each help the County achieve its zero waste goal and create a cleaner environment and support sustainable practices that benefit our community and future generations.”

To learn more about the County’s food scraps recycling drop-offs and other food scraps programs, visit its website.

Farmers Banking and Trust Building at 4 Courthouse Square in Rockville Gets ‘Local Historic Designation’


The Farmers Banking and Trust Building, long a centerpiece in Downtown Rockville, has been approved by Rockville's mayor and council for a local historic designation.

The building at 4 Courthouse Square most recently served as a branch of M&T Bank. Built in 1930, it is considered to be the last art deco building (popular during the period from about 1925-1940) in Rockville. It survived the urban renewal efforts in Rockville Town Center in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The Farmer’s Banking and Trust Building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 as part of the Montgomery County Courthouse National Register Historic District. The Courthouse Square Historic District, a City of Rockville local historic district designated in 1979, includes the 1891 Red Brick Courthouse, the 1931 Grey Courthouse, and the 1938 Post Office. However, the building at 4 Courthouse Square was not included within the local historic district boundaries and was previously not locally designated.

Annual Rockville Antique and Classic Car Show Will Be Saturday, Oct. 19


The annual Rockville Antique and Classic Car Show will be held from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, on the grounds of Glenview Mansion in Rockville Civic Center Park. The event, which is free to attend each year, is one of the largest classic car shows in the Mid-Atlantic Region.

This year’s show will include exhibitions featuring 32 car clubs, in addition to displays of other rare vehicles. The show also has a flea market, car sales area and live music by the Bad Influence Band. Food and drink will be available for purchase.

Glenview Mansion is located at 603 Edmonston Dr. in Rockville. Parking at Rockville Civic Center Park is free, but limited. Enter from Baltimore Road at Avery Road. Accessible parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to those with an accessible placard or license plate.

A courtesy shuttle will run every 15-20 minutes from Meadow Hall Elementary School, located at 251 Twinbrook Parkway, to the show grounds. The shuttles are accessible and will operate from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Each year, the Mayor and Council of Rockville selects one vehicle to receive the Mayor and Council Award. The 2023 recipient was Kevin McGovern's 1955 Lotus MK IX.

While there are no road closures associated with the event, there will be an increase in vehicular and pedestrian traffic surrounding Rockville Civic Center Park. Additionally, the tennis courts in the park will be closed for the day. The Croydon Creek Nature Center is open normal business hours, with its parking lot is reserved for guests visiting the center. 

For more information about the show, visit the Rockville Antique and Classic Car Show's official Website (rockvillemd.gov).

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

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: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.

Webinar on Wednesday, Oct. 16, Will Provide Information About Innovative Septic Systems


The University of Maryland Extension Office will hold its next Wednesday Water Webinar, “Alternative and Innovative Septic Systems” at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 16. The webinar will address options for home sites that present challenges to the design and operation of a septic system, such as high-water table, poor soils and small lots.

Register for the webinar online.

For information about permits for septic systems, visit the website of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services.

The Beacon Newspaper to Host Its 25th Annual Free ‘50+ Expo’ on Sunday, Oct. 20, in Silver Spring


The Beacon newspaper will host its 25th Annual free in-person “50+ Expo” from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20, at the Silver Spring Civic Building. The event will offer a wide range of valuable resources, informative speakers, health screenings, volunteer opportunities, and entertaining activities.

The Silver Spring Civic Building is located at 1 Veterans Pl. in Downtown Silver Spring,

The Beacon is a widely acclaimed, free monthly newspaper in the Washington, D.C., area dedicated to serving the interests and needs of the 50-and-over community. With a dedicated focus on providing quality content and resources, The Beacon has been a leading voice for older adults seeking to live fulfilling and enriched lives for 35 years.

A highlight of the expo will be the “keynote conversation” between The Beacon's publisher, Stuart Rosenthal, and Laura Stassi, author of “Romance Redux; Finding Love in Your Later Years” and host of the “Dating While Gray” podcast.

Attendees can explore dozens of exhibitors from government agencies, nonprofits and local businesses offering information on housing options, home remodeling, home care, financial planning, insurance, healthcare, fitness, travel and senior resources.

There will also be a travel presentation from Collette Tours, showcasing special trips to Hawaii and Iceland tailored for Beacon readers.

The Expos prioritize attendees' health and well-being and offer free health screenings, including blood pressure, glaucoma, blood glucose, and cholesterol tests. Important vaccines, including the latest COVID-19 and RSV vaccines, regular and high-dose flu shots, Shingrix (shingles), pneumonia, and tetanus vaccines, will also be available. Attendees should bring their Medicare and/or insurance card, if applicable.

For more information, call 301-949-9766, email info@thebeaconnewspapers.com or visit www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/50expos.

Fall Festival in Rockville, Great Pumpkin Carving and a Haunted House in Long Branch Among Fall Recreation Special Events

Festivals, Floating Pumpkin Patches and Senior Wild West Dance Among Fall Recreation Special Events

A fall festival in Rockville on Saturday, Oct. 12, a great pumpkin carving event and a haunted house in Long Branch 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:

Saturday, Oct. 12
  • 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Fall Festival. Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center, 13850 Travilah Road, Rockville. Activities will include music, games, pumpkin painting, a petting zoo and more.
  • 1-4 p.m. Therapeutic Recreation Social – Fall Fiesta. Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Drive, Silver Spring. This event is for adults 18 and older with disabilities. Participants have a chance to socialize, play games, enjoy refreshments and have fun. Pre-registration is encouraged.
  • 5-6 p.m. Bloom at Good Hope: Snehesh Nag, Becky Hill, and Nadia Pessoa (Trio Inspired by Cultural Traditions). Good Hope Neighborhood Recreation Center, 14715 Good Hope Road, Silver Spring. An evening of musical exploration with these three innovative artists filled with sounds of the Appalachian Mountains, Indian classical melodies and vibrant Brazilian folk rhythms.
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
Friday, Nov. 1
  • 4-7 p.m. Candy & 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.