Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

Dear Friends,

I am in China this week in the second week of an economic development mission. Like last week, it has been a busy and educational week. We have met with government leaders, business people who are interested in Montgomery County and toured some advanced, computerized manufacturing facilities. I will share more when I return next week in my regular weekly video updates.

I prepared in advance a short video for this week about the garden I created at my home in Takoma Park. Please take a moment to watch the video and I hope it gives you a sense of the joy of gardening. I love gardening because it brings me peace and calm while also reducing stress.

If you would like more information or resources on how to grow your own garden, access community gardens or explore public gardens around the County, consider checking out the following websites:

• MyGreenMontgomery Lawn and Garden Tips and Resources
• University of Maryland Extension Montgomery County Master Gardeners Program
• Montgomery Parks Community Garden Program
• Visit Montgomery Highlights County’s Public Gardens

County Council Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Straw Vote

The County Council took a straw vote on the Fiscal Year 2025 operating budget on Thursday. I have been following the deliberations while in China, and I very much appreciate that the Councilmembers voted to support virtually all of the recommended budget that I sent to them for their review. The Council is scheduled to have its formal vote to approve the capital and operating budgets on Thursday, May 23.

I appreciate the County Council’s support of most of my budget recommendations, including critical compensation increases for our hard-working and dedicated County employees. However, I am deeply concerned that the Council’s process is hard to reconcile with the principles of good government and smart policy. After weeks of public committee sessions supporting proposals and virtually all unanimous votes to fund them, the County Council made significant decisions in private to reverse some of their decisions, without public conversation, transparency or accountability. You can read the rest of my comments here.

Affordable Housing Update

I was not able to attend last week’s annual Affordable Housing Summit held in Rockville, but I was pleased to hear that Acting HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman spoke and discussed major Federal investments like the recently announced $5.5 billion in grants aimed at affordable housing. She told the crowd about her agency’s work through grants, which act as "building blocks to empower communities to take ownership of community development investments."

Acting Secretary Todman also commended Montgomery County for its innovative policies and proactive approach toward affordable housing initiatives.

The Council has indicated its support for the record $169 million for affordable housing initiatives in the County’s FY 2025 operating budget. These funds include $65 million in new funds and $56 million in the Housing Initiative Fund. Capital Improvement Projects, such as the “Revitalization for Troubled and Distressed Common Ownership Communities,” also are prioritized to ensure that our communities remain vibrant and inclusive spaces for all residents.

Earlier this month, we held a workshop with Enterprise Community Partners and Truist Bank that was held at Mt. Jezreel Baptist Church to discuss the Faith-Based Development Initiative. This initiative will allow houses of worship to transform their underutilized land into affordable homes. Thanks to $585,000 in funding from the County and Truist, seven houses of worship are already working to create 750 affordable homes on their land.

Montgomery County Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month

Every May, the County celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This annual event celebrates one of the fastest-growing segments of the County's population. This year’s event will be from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, at Seneca Valley High School in Germantown.

Hosted by the County’s Asian American Health Initiative (AAHI) and the Office of Community Partnerships (OCP), the event will offer the opportunity to enjoy cultural performances, explore resources in the AAPI community, participate in health fairs and engage in kid-friendly activities.

Law Enforcement Will Be in Spotlight on ‘Public Safety Day’

The County’s “Public Safety Day” from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg will offer opportunities to interact with representatives of the police department and the Fire and Rescue Service. The free event also will have demonstrations by special units within the police department, like the Autism/IDD unit.

You can also enjoy family activities, fair rides, pony rides, music and community performances. It will be a fun event for all members of the family.

Cultural Heritage Concert Series Continues  

Montgomery County Recreation has been recognizing Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Heritage Month and Jewish American Month in May with a free concert series at venues across the County. The next concert will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, at the Plum Gar Recreation Center in Germantown. Featured at this concert will be recording artists Seth Kibel on flute, clarinet and saxophone; keyboardist Sean Lane; and Chao Tian on Chinese hammer dulcimer.

The series is sponsored by Carpe Diem Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Following Sunday's concert, there will be a reception with locally sourced refreshments. It will provide a chance to meet the artists and the staff and board of Carpe Diem Arts. The reception will provide an opportunity to learn more about the Carpe Diem Arts impactful programs in area schools and communities.

The final concert in the series will be from 11 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, May 22, at the Long Branch Community Recreation Center in Silver Spring. The highlighted performers will be Caron Dale and Kyoko Okamoto.

Honoring 50 Years of Service to Montgomery County

I want to take this opportunity to honor retiring Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) Director Anita Vassallo. She joined Chief Administrative Officer Rich Madaleno on the weekly media briefing Wednesday, which you can watch here.

Anita's decades of service and leadership have been instrumental in shaping our library system into a vibrant hub for the community.

Anita began working in MCPL libraries more than 50 years ago when she was still in high school. She followed the advice of her mother, who told her she should get a job in the library based on the amount of time she spent there as a student. Five decades later, it turns out her mother offered very good advice.

Anita has seen the department change significantly over the years and decades. As we always say, “The libraries have more than just books.”

Most of the money now spent on new materials goes to digital properties rather than traditional books. Under Anita’s guidance, MCPL has prioritized preschool reading proficiency, prepared teenagers for college and the workforce and facilitated digital inclusion for non-English speakers.

Libraries have been essential meeting places for community groups and fierce advocates for the right to read any material on behalf of the marginalized and often overlooked. They are crucial to helping everyone improve themselves and continue their education at any age.

I want to thank Anita for her work and wish her well in retirement—if she can stay out of the library.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich
County Executive

Gaithersburg Book Festival on Saturday, May 18, Will Feature Fantastic Lineup of Authors and Workshops for Emerging Writers

The 15th annual Gaithersburg Book Festival from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg will once again feature an overwhelming lineup of authors talking about their most recent books and their lifetime adventures. The free festival, which has grown into one of the most prominent literary festivals on the East Coast, also will have workshops for emerging writers seeking to improve their skills or hoping to learn more about the business of getting works published.

The book festival also will be the right place to interest young readers in the adventures contained in books. There will be a Children’s Village as part of the event.

Among the featured authors will be Fran Abrams (latest book “Arranging Words”), Sarah Adler (“Happy Medium”), E.A. Aymar (“When She Left”), Tracey Baptiste (“African Icons: Ten People Who Shaped History”), Derrick Barnes (“Who Got Game? Basketball: Amazing But True Stories”); Phil Bildner (“Glenn Burke, Game Changer: The Man Who Invented the High Five”), Fred Bowen (“Extra Innings”); Susan Coll (“Real Life and Other Fictions” ), John Eisenberg (“Rocket Men: The Black Quarterbacks Who Revolutionized Pro Football”), Beth Ferry (“Solar Bear”), Lisa Graff (“Rewind”), Harold Holzer (“Brought Forth on This Continent: Abraham Lincoln and American Immigration”), Antonia Hylton (“Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum”), Brigid Kemmerer (“Destroy the Day”), Carlos Lozada (““The Washington Book: How to Read Politics and Politicians”), Liza Mundy (“The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA”), Susan Page (“The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters”), Jayne Anne Phillips (2024 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction winner for her novel, “Night Watch”), Joe Posnanski (“Why We Love Baseball”), James Ransome (“Fighting with Love: The Legacy of John Lewis”), Sara Shepard (“Nowhere Like Home), Carole Boston Weatherford (“Kin: Rooted in Hope”) and Kate White (“The Last Time She Saw Him”).

The festival will have a strong lineup of poets.

Bohrer Park is located at 506 S. Frederick Ave. in Gaithersburg, adjacent to Gaithersburg High School. Although parking is free, there will be very limited parking at the high school.

The most efficient free parking will be at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, located at 501 Perry Parkway. There will be free shuttles running continuously from 9:15 a.m.-6:30 p.m. from the fairgrounds to the event. The shuttle also will operate from the Shady Grove Metro Station. It will pick up on the Route 355 side of the station (not on the side with parking garages).

There are two Gaithersburg-owned parking options within about a short quarter-mile walk of Bohrer Park. The garages are the Gaithersburg Parking Garage – Olde Towne (112 Olde Towne Ave.) and at Gaithersburg City Hall (31 S. Summit Ave.).

The master schedule for the festival can be found at https://www.gaithersburgbookfestival.org/master-schedule/.

The list of authors presenting can be found here.

The schedule of writing workshops for adults and teens can be found here. The children’s workshops can be viewed here. All workshops are free to attend and do not require advance registration.

Politics and Prose booksellers will have a pop-up store inside the Activity Center where attendees can buy the latest books from the featured authors and poets. All of the featured authors will do a signing that begins 10 minutes after their program concludes. The signings will be inside the Activity Center, in the gym area.

The festival is a “rain or shine” event. Most, but not all, of the programming is outside, under large tents.

‘Truck Day’ Event Scheduled for Saturday, May 18, in Rockville, Is Postponed Until June 1

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has postponed its free, family friendly “Truck Day” event scheduled for Saturday, May 18, until Saturday, June 1, due to weather concerns on the original date. 

The rescheduled event will be held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on June 1 at the MCDOT Truck Depot and Salt Barn at 17000 Crabbs Branch Way in Rockville. Truck Day invites members of the community to touch, climb and explore the many first-response, construction and transportation vehicles that keep the County running.

Truck Day will offer the opportunity for a hands-on experience with MCDOT vehicles including a bucket truck, tractor, semi-truck and bus. The event also will feature first responder vehicles and a fire engine, with the chance to meet the essential workers who operate them. MCDOT Highway Services employees will be available to answer questions and share how their vehicles work and the role their vehicles serve.

“Truck Day is great way to introduce residents, and especially children, to local public works professionals and the important work they do to keep our community safe and improve the quality of life for all who live, work and visit Montgomery County,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “This free, outdoor event is a lot of fun. MCDOT does an excellent job setting up interactive activities and kids love climbing into the trucks.”

As part of the event, MCDOT will showcase entries in the annual “Paint the Plow” contest. A total of 16 Montgomery County public middle schools will participate in a competition to name and decorate a snowplow. Attendees at Truck Day will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite snowplow name and design. First-, second- and third-place winners will receive cash prizes for their schools. The popular snowplows are deployed across the region during snowstorms in the winter months.

Truck Day is a major part of the celebration of “Public Works Week,” which is a nationally recognized week in May to honor essential workers. The American Public Works Association selected "Advancing Quality of Life for All” as the theme for the 2024 National Public Works Week. The theme emphasizes that public works professionals contribute to and enhance the quality of life in all the communities they proudly serve.

In addition to the Truck Day event, MCDOT will run a social media campaign to highlight MCDOT Division of Highway Services employees and the essential work they do. The campaign will spotlight employees through video content to highlight their contributions.

“MCDOT employees work around the clock to ensure public safety,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “They are often unseen, but they provide critical services during emergencies such as adverse weather such as snow, flooding, downed electrical lines and trees, and ensure essential workers can reach their destinations safely.”

To learn more about the “Paint the Plow” contest or other MCDOT-sponsored activities during “Public Works Week,” visit the Paint the Plow website.

Recreation Summer Program Registration Now Open

Registration for Montgomery County Recreation summer programs for toddlers, youth, teens, adults and older adults is now open.

Recreation offers hundreds of programs and activities that help promote an active and healthier lifestyle. Offerings include aquatics, fitness, sports, arts, therapeutic recreation, 55+ programming and more. A digital guide is now available online.

“We are committed to serving County residents and youths with summer programming,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “It is important when school is off for the summer, that our families have options for activities to continue learning and to be able to gain skills that will last a lifetime. I encourage all residents to consider Montgomery County Recreation's summer programs. The most popular programs go fast, so please register as soon as you can.”

A new refund policy will take effect with summer program registration on Monday, May 13. Refund requests for classes, camps, leagues, trips and tours must be submitted 14 days prior to the start of an activity to receive a full refund. Refund requests submitted after the start of an activity or posted league schedule will not be issued a refund. View the full refund policy online.

Applications for the department’s financial aid program, are currently being accepted. County residents who meet program requirements can receive $400 per family member to supplement program costs.

While online registration is encouraged, registration will also be accepted by mail, drop-off or in person. In-person registration is available at the County’s aquatic centers and at the administrative offices in Wheaton. Registration also is available, in-person at all other Recreation facilities during regular business hours.

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

Virtual Community Meetings Providing Purple Line Updates Will Be Held for Greater Lyttonsville-Woodside and Long Branch Communities

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration will is holding virtual Purple Line Community Advisory Team (CAT) meetings that will be targeted for specific neighborhoods and will include member-driven teams of representatives appointed by neighborhoods, community residents, civic and business associations and local governments. The next meetings are scheduled for the Greater Lyttonsville-Woodside community on Tuesday, May 21, and the Long Branch community on Thursday, May 23.

The meetings on each night will be from 6-7:30 p.m.

The Maryland Transit Administration is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States. The Purple Line will be a 16-mile, 21-station light rail line that will extend from New Carrollton in Prince George’s County to Bethesda in Montgomery County. It will directly connect to the Metro’s Red, Green and Orange lines at Bethesda, Silver Spring, College Park and New Carrollton. The Purple Line also will connect to MARC, Amtrak and local bus services.

“Progress of the Purple Line has reached an exciting period, and our team looks forward to sharing this progress with the public,” said Purple Line Senior Project Director Ray Biggs II. “Our spring CAT meetings will show future Purple Line stations taking shape, miles of installed track and completed neighborhood improvements such as the Talbot Avenue Bridge.”

The Purple Line project team will include representatives from the concessionaire, Purple Line Transit Partners, and Maryland Transit Solutions, the design-builder. They will provide area-specific updates in addition to overall project information. Each meeting will incorporate dedicated time for CAT members and residents to ask questions.

The virtual meetings will be held via Microsoft Teams, offering captioning services in multiple languages. Instructions on how to enable live captioning are posted on the project website, purplelinemd.com. Questions on the CAT meetings can be directed to the outreach team at outreach@purplelinemd.com.

To learn more, visit purplelinemd.com, check us out on Facebook and Instagram, and follow us on X.

Proposed Behavioral Health 'Diversion Center' in Rockville to Help Individuals in Crisis to Have Update on Tuesday, May 21

Montgomery County officials will host a project update on the planned "Diversion Center" at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, in the auditorium of the Executive Office Building (EOB) in Rockville. The meeting will also be accessible virtually via Microsoft TEAMS at Diversion Center Project Update. The center, which will be located on Seven Locks Road in Rockville, will treat individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.

The EOB is located at 101 Monroe Street in Rockville.

County officials participating in the May 21 meeting will include:

• Earl Stoddard, assistant chief administrative officer
• Rolando Santiago, chief, Behavioral Health and Crisis Services, Department of Health and Human Services
• Hamid Omidvar, chief, Division of Building Design and Construction, Department of General Services

The County is opening the diversion center to help reduce the use of emergency rooms and jail. The center will be available to individuals in crisis who are dropped off by emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or police, persons transferred from hospitals, and health and human services Mobile Crisis & Outreach Teams. A team of multidisciplinary professionals will staff the center, including nurses, licensed mental health and addiction professionals, peer specialists and resource navigators.

The center will provide a variety of behavioral health services, including triage, crisis stabilization and warm hand-off referrals to appropriate services. These services are designed to stabilize individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis during the first hours and up to three days. The center will operate 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

An initial public meeting was held in October 2022 to hear from City of Rockville officials and community members. A second meeting, in April 2023, provided an update on questions raised at the October 2022 meeting related to procedures for individuals brought to the diversion center.

At the most recent project update meeting held in July 2023, the community was advised there would be the creation of a Stakeholder Engagement team to incorporate community feedback in the design process, including elements that would improve the neighborhood experience with the site. The team would be made up of individuals from the neighboring community, recovery community, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of General Services and the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation.

Commission on Veterans Affairs Honors Fallen Hometown Heroes from Military Action Dating to World War I with Online Tributes as Memorial Day Approaches

The Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs is honoring “Fallen Hometown Heroes” with Montgomery County connections on a website created by the commission. The tribute is especially notable as the County prepares to commemorate Memorial Day on Monday, May 27.

The website honors veterans who were killed in action in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and the Global War on Terrorism (including Operation Iraqi Freedom / Operation Enduring Freedom / Operation Inherent Resolve / Operation Freedom's Sentinel / Operation New Dawn). The website includes photos and military histories of those who lived in Montgomery County and were killed in action. The site can be viewed at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/fallenheroes.

“We owe a great debt of gratitude to our local heroes, as well as all service members, who made the ultimate sacrifice in their service to our nation,” said Michael Wilson, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran who currently chairs the County Commission on Veterans Affairs. “I encourage residents to visit the County’s Fallen Hometown Heroes website and learn more about these heroes dating back to World War I and as recent as the Global War on Terrorism. Their sacrifices will always be remembered and honored.”

In 2023, a plaque was unveiled at the Rockville Memorial Library recognizing the name change from the original Rockville Library. The name change was instituted in 2010 at the request of Gold Star families—those who have lost a family member in U.S. military conflicts—and the County’s Commission on Veterans Affairs. The plaque is in the first-floor lobby, next to a digital display honoring the County's Fallen Hometown Heroes. The Fallen Hometown Heroes digital display honors residents killed in action dating to World War I.

“Memorial Day is a special day for honoring the men and women who lost their lives while defending our nation,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “We recognize the sacrifice they and their families have made—and we will never forget. I urge every resident to take a moment to reflect on our local heroes and learn more about their courageous stories through this website.”

To share the story of a friend or family member who was killed in action, complete a Google form or a PDF form. Be prepared to provide the following information:

• Servicemember’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 about their service
• Connection to Montgomery County (where the individual currently lived, attended high school or college/university, etc.)
• Photos (preferably one during their service and one in their civilian life)

Email MCCVA@montgomerycountymd.gov to learn more about the tribute program.

Visit the Commission on Veterans Affairs website for more information about their work.

‘SEED Classroom’ Innovative Learning Space Will Open on Saturday, May 18, at Black Hill Regional Park in Boyds

Montgomery Parks and the Montgomery Parks Foundation will celebrate the opening of the SEED Classroom, an innovative learning space, from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, May 18. SEED is an acronym for “Sustainable Education Every Day." The new classroom at Black Hill Regional Park will increase the educational opportunities available at the park.

Black Hill Regional Park is located at 20930 Lake Ridge Dr. in Boyds. Parking will be available near Picnic Shelters E and F or at the Black Hill Discovery Center. Shuttle service will be provided between parking lots and event site.

The SEED classroom showcases how an environmentally friendly building functions. The living lab space, large open classroom and covered deck will be used for a park-based nature preschool program, school field trips and private and public events.

The SEED classroom is a net-zero energy user. The building produces all of the water and power it needs to function with a rainwater cistern that waters a living plant wall inside the building, a composting toilet and solar panels on the roof to generate electricity.

“The addition of the 6.5 kWh solar array and rainwater capture system allows the SEED classroom to meet net-zero goals and serve as a hands-on teaching tool for children,” said Johnny Richardson, program manager of Green Mountain Energy Sun Club, one of the SEED classroom’s major financial supporters. “Our Sun Club grants are designed to promote sustainability and support important causes in the community."

The SEED classroom is located at a former park maintenance yard. It brings new life to that area and a connection to the nearby Black Hill Community Garden and greenhouse. It is near walking trails, a large stream and wetland areas.

The Montgomery Parks Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Montgomery Parks, coordinated efforts to provide funding for the project.

Major financial support for the SEED classroom has been provided by:

• Maryland General Assembly bond bill
• Green Mountain Energy Sun Club
• Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation
• First Energy Foundation
• Wegmans
• Friends of Black Hill Nature Programs

‘Older Americans Month’ Will Be Celebrated with Fun-Filled Activities on Friday, May 24, in Silver Spring

Joining the national recognition of May as “Older Americans Month,” Montgomery County’s Aging and Disability Services—part of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)—and Montgomery County Recreation will celebrate older adults on Friday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Long Branch Recreation Center in Silver Spring. The free event, designed for individuals ages 55 and over, will include fitness demonstrations, music, food tastings, caregiver resources, vendor tables and giveaways.

The Long Branch Community Recreation Center is located at 8700 Piney Branch Road in Silver Spring.

Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month, a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults. The 2024 theme is “Powered by Connection,” which recognizes the profound impact of meaningful relationships and social connections on health and well-being.

“Older Americans Month is a time to honor the invaluable contributions of our older residents, who play a vital role in our community,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Their wisdom, experience and dedication enrich us in countless ways. The Long Branch Recreation Center event is a fun way to celebrate our older adults with activities that support their health and well-being.”

To register, visit the ActiveMONTGOMERY website or call 240-777-6840. Montgomery County Recreation is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Call 240-777-6840 or click here to request accommodations.

Road Resurfacing on Veirs Mill Road and Other County Roadways Will Impact Traffic Through Late June

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is paving, patching and sealing cracks on roadways on Veirs Mill Road and the work will impact traffic from Rockville to Wheaton through late June. Roadways in other parts of the County are also being resurfaced, which will cause traffic delays.

Other pavement improvements will include patching on MD 355 (Rockville Pike) from Twinbrook Parkway to MD 911 (First Street) and crack sealing on MD 28 (West Montgomery Avenue) from Quince Orchard Road in Gaithersburg to Hurley Avenue and on MD 28 (Key West and West Montgomery avenues) from Broschart Road to Hurley Avenue.

In mid-April, SHA began resurfacing several sections of MD 586 (Veirs Mill Road) through Rockville, from First Street to the bridge over Rock Creek, and in the Wheaton/Silver Spring areas. Work is being done weeknights, 9 p.m.-5 a.m.

Work on other roads is being done weekdays, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Some overnight work may be necessary. During work hours, motorists can expect lane shifts and lane closures. Work is expected to be complete by late June, weather permitting, though additional lane closures and work hours may be necessary to keep projects on schedule.

Drivers are advised to slow down in the work zone for the safety of all drivers and the crews working to improve roads. Look for arrow boards, cones and barrels to safely guide motorists through the work zones.

For a list of all major SHA projects, visit mdot-sha-project-portal-maryland.hub.arcgis.com. To view real-time traffic conditions, visit md511.maryland.gov.

Holiday Schedule for Memorial Day on Monday, May 27

The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have holiday schedule and program changes for the observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 27.

Schedule changes for the holiday celebrating Memorial Day on Monday, May 27:

• County offices—Closed.
• MC 311— Closed.
• State offices and courts—Closed.
• State Motor Vehicle Administration offices and Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program stations—Closed.
• Libraries— Closed Sunday, May 26, and Monday, May 27
• Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS)—All stores open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Department of Permitting Services—Closed.
• Ride On—Will operate on Sunday schedule.
• Ride On Flex and Ride On extRa – Not in Service
• Flash—will operate on the Weekends and Holidays schedule for the Orange Route. The Blue Route (normally weekday only) will not be in service.
• MARC Train—No service.
• TRiPS Silver Spring commuter store—Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• TRiPS mobile commuter store—Closed.
• Metrorail—Will operate on a Sunday Holiday schedule with trains running from 7 a.m.-midnight.
• Metrobus—Will operate on a Sunday service schedule.
• Public parking garages, lots, curbside meters—Free.
• County-provided trash and recycling collections—No collections on Monday, May 27. Collections for the remainder of the week will slide one day, with the final collections on Saturday, June 1.
• Shady Grove Transfer Station and Recycling Center— Entire facility is closed.
• Outdoor pools— Open.
• Community Recreation, aquatic and senior centers—Closed.
• For Montgomery Parks information, visit www.MontgomeryParks.org. 

  Additional information for Montgomery Parks facilities: 

  • Montgomery Parks Headquarters and Permits Offices—Closed. 
  • Montgomery Parks Customer Service Office—Closed.
  • Pauline Betz Addie  and Wheaton Indoor Tennis Centers--Closed, (Wheaton is also closed Saturday and Sunday, May 25­‒26).
  • Cabin John Ice Rink and Wheaton Ice Arena--Closed. (Ice rinks also closed Saturday and Sunday, May 25­‒26).
  • Indoor nature facilities—Brookside Nature Center, Locust Grove Nature Center, Black Discovery Center—Closed. (Trails and outdoor nature play areas remain open sunrise to sunset.)
  • Meadowside Nature Center is undergoing building and meadow renovations. However, outdoor programs are continuing during the project. Trails and nature play areas remain open from sunrise to sunset.

Megan Lee of Watkins Mill High, Kairo Maysonet Walker of Julius West Middle School Are Top Winners in ‘Keeping It Safe Coalition’ Video Contest

Megan Lee of Watkins Mill High School in Montgomery Village and Kairo Maysonet Walker of Julius West Middle School in Rockville were the top winners in their respective categories in the 2023-24 “Keeping it Safe Coalition” student video contest sponsored by Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) and the Montgomery County Police Department. The annual contest encourages teams from County public and private schools to create 30-second public service announcements to educate young people about the risks of under-21 alcohol use.

The winning entries will receive cash prizes for their affiliated school. In this year’s contest, 59 videos were submitted from 31 schools.

Founded in 1992, the Keeping It Safe Coalition (KIS) is an alliance of County departments, local organizations and concerned residents that work to deter underage alcohol access and use. The student video contest was funded by the Montgomery County Department of Police’s Traffic Division.

“Alcohol is the most misused drug by Americans under 21,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that 60 percent of adolescents admit to having at least one alcoholic drink by the time they turn 18. I value every student’s effort to reduce and prevent alcohol use among their peers. I recognize and admire their initiative to create, work together, and submit an entry for the competition. This shows their dedication to their community.”

The KIS Coalition announced the winners at an awards ceremony held on Wednesday, May 8, at the Carver Educational Services Center in Rockville.

“We are happy to support the Keeping it Safe Coalition.” said ABS director Kathie Durbin. “Raising awareness about the dangers and consequences of under-21 alcohol consumption among students is an important endeavor. These videos help young people learn how to fight peer pressure when it comes to alcohol consumption and ways to support friends who have an alcohol problem.”

The 2023-24 high school award winners:

• First Place—Megan Lee from Watkins Mill High School. Will receive a $1,000 prize.
• Second Place—Asher Anantham and Alana Anantham from Montgomery Blair High School, with help from Julius West Middle School. Will receive a $500 prize.
• Third Place—Anjolaoluwa Adeleke from Walter Johnson High School. Will receive a $350 prize.
• Honorable Mention—John F. Kennedy High School. Will receive a $100 prize.

The 2023-24 middle school award winners:

• First Place—Kairo Maysonet Walker from Julius West Middle School. Will receive a $500 prize.
• Second Place—Shady Grove Middle School. Will receive a $300 prize.
• Third Place—Cabin John Middle School. Will receive a $250 prize.
• Honorable Mention—Ariel Callwood and Aylani Callwood from William H. Farquhar Middle School. Will receive a $100 prize.

For the third year in a row, Travel Television, a member of the Keeping It Safe Coalition, sponsored the “most popular video” award for both high school and middle school participants. The award recognized the video with the most online views and “likes.”

The 2023-24 Most Popular video for high school and middle school winners were Ariel and Aylani Callwood from William H. Farquhar Middle School. They will receive $150 payable directly to the students.

The winning videos can be viewed on the ABS website.

Through robust alcohol licensing, compliance and training programs, the Division of Licensure, Regulation and Education (LRE) within ABS ensures the responsible sale and service of alcohol. LRE has been an active supporter of the KIS Coalition for decades.

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 otherwise would be funded by County tax dollars.

Waterfest, a Native Plant Sale and ‘Full Moon Friday’ Among the Special May Programs at the Nature Centers of Montgomery Parks

Diving into the fun at Waterfest, sprucing up your abode with native plant sales or enjoying a full moon on a Friday night in a festive atmosphere are among the special programs in May that will be featured at nature centers operated by Montgomery Parks.

The schedule of May special programs will include:

• Native Plant Sale. Locust Grove Nature Center’s Spring Native Plant Sale. Saturday-Sunday, May 18–19. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Pope Farm Nursery, 7400 Airpark Road, Gaithersburg. Experts will be available to answer questions. This in-person sale will take place at Pope Farm Nursery and sales will support educational programs at Locust Grove Nature Center.
• Nature Hike and Seek. Wednesday, May 22. 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton. Preschoolers and their caretakers, guided by a park naturalist, will have the opportunity to collect, count and sort different materials, shapes and patterns in nature and develop social skills like sharing and cooperation. Ages 3-5. Registration required. $7 per person.
• Orienteering 101. Saturday, May 18. 10 a.m.-noon. Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton. Go “orienteering” in Wheaton Regional Park. Take turns finding wilderness checkpoints with your map, compass and powers of observation. Ages 8 and older. Registration required. $7 per person.
• Waterfest, Saturday, May 18. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville. Make a splash while learning about your local watershed through crafts, games, exhibitors and activities. All ages. Free.
• Full Moon Friday. Friday, May 24. 6:30–8 p.m. Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda. Enjoy the full moon for a hike and campfire. Registration required. Ages 10 and older. $8 per person.
• Nature Center Pop-up. Friday, May 24. 4-6 p.m. Ovid Hazen Wells Recreational Park, 12121 Skylark Drive, Clarksburg. Sunday, May 26. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. South Germantown Recreational Park, 18041 Central Park Circle, Boyds. Visit the Nature on Wheels vehicle and meet a naturalist to learn about the park, explore some natural objects, ask questions and do biology-themed activities. Registration optional. All ages. Free.
• Ready, Set, Go! Friday, May 31. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton. Embark on a family-friendly, nature-themed scavenger hunt adventure on the trails of Wheaton Regional Park. The hunt will be facilitated using the GooseChase smartphone app. Ages 8 and older. Registration required. $15 per person.

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

Animal Services and Adoption Center in Derwood Remains Closed Due to Canine Influenza Virus

The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center’s (MCASAC) in Derwood remains closed due to a case of Canine Influenza Virus (CIV). Canine influenza is a respiratory disease of dogs caused by a specific strain of type A influenza virus. The adoption center will be closed until further notice.

Dogs in the center have been placed under isolation and will not be moving out of the building. Adoptions of other animals are also paused at this time.

Despite vaccinating for CIV and adhering to strict cleaning protocols, a dog in the care of MCASAC tested positive for CIV and 22 additional dogs are showing CIV symptoms.

The canine influenza virus mainly spreads from infected dogs to other dogs (or cats) through respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing, barking or nuzzling) and through contaminated surfaces and clothing. It is not transmissible to people. However, people can spread the virus to other dogs via their clothing, equipment or hands.

The symptoms of canine influenza are cough, runny nose, eye discharge, fever, lethargy and poor appetite. The signs range in severity between no signs at all and severe illness resulting in death.

“Canine influenza is a highly contagious virus that spreads rapidly through a shelter's dog population,” said MCASAC Chief Veterinarian Gregory Lawrence. “We will continue to do everything we can to prevent further spread of the virus and treat those dogs that are infected.”.

If your dog is showing any symptoms of CIV, contact your veterinarian immediately for assessment and early supportive treatment. Keep your dog separated from others for at least 28 days. Avoid trips to dog parks, doggy daycare, grooming and boarding facilities.

Most dogs recover within two-to-three weeks, but some will develop secondary bacterial infections that can lead to more severe illness.

MCASAC is now accepting essential intakes only. Essential intakes include:

• Sick and injured animals.
• Dogs that pose a threat to public safety.

Residents who find a lost pet are asked not to bring the animal to the shelter for the safety of those animals. Tips on locating the owner of lost pets can be found on the center’s Found a Pet (montgomerycountymd.gov) page. MCASAC will provide finders of lost pets who are willing to foster, with the necessary supplies to care for the animal until the owner can be located or other placement options are determined.

The canine influenza vaccine is not required and is not considered a core vaccine for all dogs. However, with cases occurring in the DMV area, speak with your veterinarian about having your dog vaccinated. If you visit dog parks, doggy daycare or board your dog when traveling, your dog is more at risk for canine influenza. The vaccine may not stop your dog from contracting the virus completely, although it will lessen the severity and help reduce the spread.

Additional precautions to take to keep your dog safe:

• Limit direct contact with other dogs when on walks. Do not allow them to sniff one another.
• Avoid using shared toys or dishes.
• Consider skipping daycare, boarding, grooming facilities and dog parks.
• Contact your dog’s daycare or boarding facility and ask about recent cases and cleaning protocols.

For more information, visit Canine influenza | American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org).

Nominations Can Be Submitted for African American Living Legends Awards That Will Be Presented During 27th Annual Juneteenth Two-Day Celebration

Montgomery County is seeking nominations for its African American Living Legends Awards that honor individuals who are 75 or older and have dedicated their lives to service, advocacy and selfless acts of kindness. The awards ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 14, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich will host the awards presentation.

The awards ceremony will be part of the County’s 27th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, themed “Celebrating Freedom at the Rock: Forever Unshackled.” The community celebration will be from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, also at the BlackRock Center, which is located at 12901 Town Commons Drive in Germantown.

“Recognizing living legends within our County is more than just honoring individuals. It is about celebrating the resilience, achievements and contributions of those who have helped shape the cultural heritage of the African American community,” said County Executive Elrich. “These distinguished figures serve as beacons of inspiration, reminding us of our shared history and the ongoing journey toward equity, justice and progress. By acknowledging their impact, we honor their African American legacy and reaffirm our commitment to fostering a community where everyone’s story is valued and uplifted.”

Nominations must be submitted by Saturday, June 1. To nominate an individual, submit a two-page or less narrative explaining why the nominee should be honored. Include a list of their contributions to the community. Nominations will be evaluated, and the County Executive will determine the final selections.

Nominations can be emailed to james.stowe@montgomerycountymd.gov or mailed to Montgomery County Office of Human Rights / African American Living Legend Nomination / 21 Maryland Avenue, Suite 330 / Rockville, MD 20850.

For more information, visit the Office of Human Rights website.

Past honorees of the African American Living Legends Awards include:

• 2023: Henry Hailstock, Theresa Henderson, Pauline Johnson, Shelia Ogilvie, Vernon Ricks, Lt. Colonel Shelton Ware.
• 2022: Ida Pearl Green, Rosalyn Cain King, Anita Neal, Ambassador Curtis Ward, Alma Lewis Williams.
• 2021: Elwood Rafael Gray, Sterling King Jr., Willie Mackey King, John Macklin, Hercules Pinkney.
• 2020: No Event.
• 2019: Winston A. Anderson, Irene Coleman, Warren Crutchfield, Arva M. Jackson, The Reverend Ruby Reese Moone, Arthur L. Williams.
• 2018: Sol Graham, Samuel C. Hamilton. Arthur Holmes, Jr., Harvey Ziegler.
• 2017: Christine Clarke, Wilma K. Holmes, Ruby A. Rubens, Odessa M. Shannon.
• 2016: Delores Lincoln-Willis.
• 2015: Irma Ramsey Cuéllar, Marilyn Hughes Gaston, Lorena Elizabeth Mosby.