‘Christmas on the Farm’ Will Show Off Holiday Festivities of Montgomery Agricultural History Farm Park on Dec. 2-3

The feeling of celebrating a holiday on a farm will be the theme on Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 2-3, at the annual “Christmas on the Farm” event at the Montgomery Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood. Among the highlights will be the opportunity to see farm animals up close, to visit the park’s tool museum and to enjoy free cookies and cider. 

The Agricultural History Farm Park is located at 18400 Muncaster Road in Derwood. The event will be held from noon-5 p.m. each day. Admission and parking will be free. 

The event is hosted by Friends of the Agricultural History Farm Park, Inc., with the support of Montgomery Parks. 

The event will feature music, hay rides, barn decorations, a bake sale and holiday crafts. 

For more information about the event, go to https://friendsofthefarmpark.org/.

Community Action Agency Seeks Volunteers to Assist Eligible Residents File Income Tax for 2023

The Montgomery County Community Action Agency’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is recruiting volunteers to become IRS-certified VITA tax preparers, schedulers, greeters, quality reviewers and site coordinators during the upcoming tax season (January–mid-April). VITA provides free tax help to Montgomery County residents, including ITIN taxpayers, with household incomes of $64,000 or less.

The program links residents to valuable tax credits that can provide critical financial support to lower income households. Last year, volunteers served 2,820 hours, helping Community Action’s VITA program serve 1,946 households. That represented a tax impact of nearly $7 million.

“Ensuring that eligible low-income residents have access to tax preparation from qualified preparers can help them learn about and apply for all tax credits they are eligible for,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Year after year, the VITA program provides beneficial services and I encourage anyone who is interested in providing neighbor to neighbor help to learn more about the volunteer opportunity.”

For the upcoming tax season, there is a significant need for volunteer schedulers. These volunteers are not directly involved in tax preparation, but assist residents by answering phone calls and scheduling appointments using an online scheduling system.

VITA volunteers receive free training and volunteer opportunities are available in Rockville, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg or Wheaton. Hours and locations are flexible. High school students may receive SSL hours by volunteering as greeters or schedulers. Bilingual volunteers (English and Spanish) are strongly encouraged to participate as a volunteer. Volunteers should complete the online registration form.

Online information sessions for prospective volunteers will be held from 10:30–11:30 a.m. and 6-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8. The sessions will provide an overview of the program and the various volunteer positions available. Please register online for one of the sessions. Visit montgomerycountymd.gov/CASHBACK or call 240-777-1123 to learn more about volunteering, or email VITA@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Message from the County Executive

Dear Friends,

As I write this, I am currently on an economic mission to India and Vietnam with businesses and government officials in an effort to encourage more international trade and commerce in Montgomery County.

This visit to India will enable the County to tap into one of the globe's fastest-growing life sciences sectors in Hyderabad, which has gained the nickname of “Genome Valley.” I have signed two agreements that will help companies expand their operations to the U.S. through Montgomery County. Next week, the County’s delegation will be in Vietnam talking with leaders in another fast-growing economy.

The County is working aggressively to create the Institute for Health Computing in North Bethesda, along with our partners at the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP), the University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB) and the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS). This innovative research facility will transform life sciences research, thereby leading to life-saving advancements in medicine and health care across the globe.

The potential of this research facility is exciting and will attract new talent and businesses to the County. Montgomery County already is one of the top five life-science clusters in the nation, and the Institute for Health Computing is expected to make the County even more enticing to the academic and business communities.

By combining the expertise of the two Maryland universities with the diverse medical data held by UMMS, the Institute for Health Computing will help further accelerate the identification of new advances in medical research. The specific focus will be on finding solutions to the problem of healthcare disparities, which have gripped our County, our State and the entire nation for decades.

When the County’s partnership with these eminent academic research organizations was announced, UMMS CEO Mohan Suntha noted that this institute could make Montgomery County the “Silicon Valley” of healthcare computing. Dr. Suntha was signaling the game-changing impact this innovative research facility will have on healthcare and medicine, with the County positioned to be at the forefront of this endeavor.

Watch this week’s video to learn more about this exciting initiative. Imagine the North Bethesda area around Pike & Rose bustling with new businesses and activities created by the establishment of the Institute for Health Computing—all in an effort to develop life-changing medical solutions. This is just the beginning. There is more to come, so stay tuned.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich
County Executive

MD 97 Relocated Roadway (Brookeville Bypass) Dedicated

The $47 million MD 97 (Georgia Avenue) Relocation Project, which includes a new nearly one-mile, two-lane highway with bicycle-compatible shoulders between north of Goldmine Road and south of Holiday Drive that bypasses Brookeville, was formally dedicated recently. The new stretch of road opened in May.

MD 97 functions as a major north-south commuter route between Montgomery and Howard counties. The bypass project included construction of two bridges: one at Meadow Branch stream and another at Reddy Branch stream. It also included two single-lane roundabouts. Construction began in 2018.

Montgomery County contributed $10 million to the project. Other partners included the Town of Brookeville, the Maryland-National Capital Park Planning Commission, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Maryland Historical Trust.

Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller joined State Senator Craig J. Zucker, Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administrator William Pines, State and Montgomery County officials and representatives from the Town of Brookeville at the ceremonies. The Brookeville Bypass project was dedicated to former State Senator Karen S. Montgomery and the late Clyde W. Unglesbee.

“Senator Montgomery and Mr. Unglesbee never backed down from their commitment to progress for their communities,” said Lt. Governor Miller. "As a result of their perseverance, the completed Brookville Bypass will serve the people of Brookville for generation after generation. The road to progress is slow, and it is always under construction, but today, we celebrate the completion of a monumental infrastructure project, thanks to the steadfast determination of two extraordinary public servants.”

A resident of Brookeville, Ms. Montgomery served as a State Senator representing Maryland’s 14th District from 2010-16. Prior to that, she was a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 2002-10. She has been a longtime advocate of the Brookeville Bypass project.

Mr. Unglesbee, who passed away in 2009 at age 89, served as a commissioner to the Town of Brookeville and a life member of the Olney Chamber of Commerce. He was instrumental in getting the bypass on the Olney Master Plan.

For more information about the MD 97 Relocation Project, visit the project’s portal page.

Leaf Vacuum Collection in Specific Areas Begins Monday, Nov. 6

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will begin its annual leaf vacuuming program on Monday, Nov. 6, and will continue collections through December in specified areas. There will be two collections on each collection district street.

Residents can find the collection schedule online by entering a street address.

The leaf vacuum collection district is bounded by I-495; I-270; the Rockville City limits; Norbeck, Bel Pre and Bonifant roads; Northwest Branch Park; and the District of Columbia and Prince George’s County lines.

Before collection begins in a neighborhood, MCDOT will post signs along streets directing residents to the online leaf collection map for collection information. The map and collection information can also be found online on the MCDOT Leaf Collection webpage.

Residents are asked to pile leaves near the street, but off the road. They should avoid placing leaves on road shoulders, curbs, bike lanes and rain gardens as leaves in these areas can disrupt traffic, negatively impact stormwater drainage, hamper snow removal operations and become a fire hazard for automobiles parked over them. Leaf piles in the street also limit the availability of residential parking and, especially when wet, can pose a hazard for cyclists and pedestrians.

“This program helps keep our storm drains clear and is a great example of composting,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Residents can compost on their own simply by mowing leaves and leaving them on their lawn.”

Since 1983, the County has been composting the leaves it collects at a County-operated facility in Dickerson. The compost produces a fertilizer called Leafgro, which is sold in retail stores.

The leaf collection program is restricted to leaves. It is important that no plastics are mixed into the leaves as they are composted and recycled as fertilizer. Plastic contamination can result in unusable compost. Tree branches, coarse garden debris and sticks branches should be placed in containers or tied in bundles no more than four feet long and set out for yard trim recycling pick up.

“Last leafing season, crews collected nearly 114,000 cubic yards of leaves,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “The leaves are mulched and composted at a local facility and sold as a popular fertilizer called Leafgro, which is sold in area hardware stores. Profits generated by these sales go back into the leafing program, reducing the cost to affected residents.”

Residents who miss the two scheduled vacuum collections or who do not live within the leaf vacuuming area can still have their leaves collected by placing them in paper yard trim bags or reusable containers for pick up on their regular recycling and yard trim collection day. Leaves placed in plastic bags will not be accepted. Residents also can bring properly bagged leaves to the Shady Grove Transfer Station. Another option is to mow fallen leaves into the yard to allow them to compost naturally.

To determine if a property is within the boundaries of the leaf vacuum collection district or to view the collection schedule, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/leafing or contact the Montgomery County Call Center online or by calling 311 from inside the County, calling 240-777-0311 from outside the County or calling TTY at 301-251-4850. The number for MD Relay is 711 or use the toll free/out of state number 1-800-735-2258.

For more information about the Leaf Collection Program, click here.

15th Annual Silver Spring ‘Tribute to America's Veterans Concert’ on Wednesday, Nov. 8, Will Feature Brazilian Bossa Nova Music of the ‘Gigi Mac Band’

The 15th Annual “Tribute to America's Veterans Concert” from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8, will feature the Brazilian Bossa Nova music of the Gigi Mac Band. The free event, at American Legion Post 41, Cissel-Saxon, in Silver Spring, will have Major General (ret.) Richard W. Thomas as its keynote speaker. The program is presented by Silver Spring Town Center, Inc.

American Legion Post 41 is located at 905 Silgo Ave. in Silver Spring. All are welcome to the event. Veterans are encouraged to wear military attire.

Tickets are not required, but RSVPs would be appreciated to lisa@silverspringtowncenter.com.

The Gigi Mac Band performs an array of music from Brazil including Bossa Nova, Samba, MPB (Musica Popular Brasileira) and Baiao. The band features an ensemble of excellent musicians including Gigi MacLaughlin, John Lee, Juan Megna and Steve Sachse.

From the northeast of Brazil, Gig MacLaughlin studied piano and accordion at the Mario Mascarenhas School. She later left these instruments to play rebolo percussion and melodica. She is also a singer.

Gigi has been a well-known musician in the Washington area for 30 years, She has performed at Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center. John Lee is a composer and guitarist who is active in the Washington music scene. He earned a BFA in Jazz Performance from the Mannes Jazz and Contemporary Music Program at the New School. Lee can be heard on more than 20 recorded albums as sideman and on five albums as leader.

Major General Thomas is a physician healthcare executive and is the associate vice president, dean and chief medical officer at the West Virginia University School of Medicine’s Eastern Campus in Martinsburg, W. Va. He most recently served as the sixth president of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

Dr. Thomas retired as a major general from the Army with more than 26 years of service. During his career, he commanded at multiple levels and served in numerous key staff assignments, culminating as the director of healthcare operations and the chief medical officer for the Defense Health Agency. Major General Thomas deployed multiple times in support of combat operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Panama.

Dr. Thomas has been recognized with numerous awards and decorations including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Army Superior Service Medal (2), the Legion of Merit (3), the Bronze Star Medal (2) and multiple other military awards and decorations.

'Rec N’ Resources’ Open House on Saturday, Nov. 4, Will Introduce Residents to Services in East County

Montgomery County Recreation is hosting a “Rec N’ Resources Open House” at East County Community Recreation Center from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, for County residents. This free event will feature games, music, arts and crafts and other activities for the whole family.

The East County Community Recreation Center is located at 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring. Registration for this event is not required.

“The Rec N’ Resources Open House will showcase many of the programs and services available to our residents in east County,” said Montgomery County Recreation Director Robin Riley. “Our mission is for Montgomery County Recreation to provide high quality, diverse and accessible programs, services and facilities that enhance the quality of life for all ages, cultures and abilities. We hope to see our community members in the eastern part of the County come out and join us in the fun and learn more about all the great services available.”

Contractor demonstrations will be held to showcase recreation classes and programs. Representatives from County agencies including the Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Permitting Services, Department of Transportation, the Commission on Aging and the Board of Elections will be available to speak with residents and provide information. Montgomery College and Mobile Medical Care also will be on site to provide details on their services.

Online ‘Listening Session’ to Receive Public Input on Capital Crescent Trail Improvements to be Held on Nov. 8

Montgomery Parks wants to hear from the community about future improvements to the Capital Crescent Trail. An online meeting will be held from noon-1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8, to provide an opportunity for trail users to share ideas for renovations to the 3.5-mile portion of the trail in Montgomery County from Downtown Bethesda south to the District of Columbia line.

The Capital Crescent Trail 2.0 project will reimagine the trail by evaluating features such as width, signage, access, trail connectivity and amenities. Parks planners will consider public input and best practices in trail design to produce a long-term vision for the trail.

The meeting will be a listening session where parks staff describe the intent of the project and collect ideas and information from the public about the future trail renovations. 

To join the meeting via Zoom, go to mocoparks.org/CCTZoom.

Registration for the meeting is optional, but encouraged, so attendees can receive updates on future developments in the project. Register by filling out this form.

“These listening sessions are just the beginning of this project,” said Montgomery Parks Trails Planner Kyle Lukacs. “They are a great opportunity for the thousands of people who use this portion of the trail every year to weigh in with their preferences for the trail design. Once we hear from them, we will develop concepts and go back for more input.”

The Capital Crescent Trail follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way and extends 11 miles from Georgetown in Washington to Silver Spring. Approximately 3.5 miles of the trail in Montgomery County. That portion is managed by Montgomery Parks. It is the most popular and heavily used paved trail in Montgomery County with 650,000 users each year.

The portion of the trail between Downtown Bethesda and Silver Spring is currently closed and detoured due to the construction of the Purple Line light rail system. That portion of the trail is managed by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation. It is expected to reopen in 2027.

‘Acoustics and Ales’ and Candlelight Tours of Agricultural Farm Park Among the Highlights of Montgomery Parks November Special Programs

Fall is settling in and winter is around the corner but Montgomery Parks has events and activities for all seasons. The Garden of Lights opens at Brookside Gardens on Nov. 17, “Acoustics and Ales” returns to North Four Corners Park in Silver Spring on Saturday, Nov. 4, and there will be candlelight tours of the Agricultural History Farm Park on Nov. 17-18.

The list of Montgomery Parks special programs in November includes:

• Garden of Lights. Nov. 17‒Dec. 31 (closed Nov. 20-23 and Dec. 24-25. 5:30‒9:30 p.m. nightly. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton. The ever-popular seasonal light display is back! The display is a one-half mile, walk-through, outdoor exhibit featuring more than a million twinkling lights formed into tunnels, flowers, animals and other natural elements. The rose garden is turned into a winter wonderland filled with white lights, more than 20 large sculptures and falling snow. Hot chocolate and light snacks will be sold. There will be unique seasonal items for sale in the Gift Shop. Tickets required for ages 5 and older. $10 per person.
• Maryland Emancipation Day. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 4‒5. 10 a.m.‒ 4 p.m. on Nov. 4; noon-4 p.m. on Nov. 5. Celebrate Maryland Emancipation Day.
• Nov. 4. Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, 16501 Norwood Rd., Sandy Spring. Guided Underground Railroad Experience Trail hikes at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (registration required for ages 6 and older) $8. Woodlawn Museum admission, 10 a.m. -4 p.m. Free. Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park3610 Brookeville Rd,, Olney: Live music, guided tours, storytelling, unveiling of the Oakley Cabin “Freedom Quilt.” Noon-4 p.m. Free.
• Nov. 5. Josiah Henson Museum & Park, 11410 Old Georgetown Rd, North Bethesda. Free museum admission. Noon-4 p.m. Thomas Harper Cabin at Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallen Rd., Wheaton. Tours, storytelling and live music. 1-4 p.m. Free.
• Acoustics and Ales. Saturday, Nov. 4. 11 a.m. –2 p.m. North Four Corners Local Park, 315 University Boulevard West., Silver Spring. Kick back and relax to the sounds of the Loose Ties trio while enjoying a cold pint from Two-Story Chimney Ciderworks, Lone Oak Brewing Company and Saints Row Brewing. Food will be available from Rice Around the World, El Cumpa and Churros, Inc. All ages. Admission Free.
• Hike to Parks Unknown: Seniors. Friday, Nov. 10. 10–11:30 a.m. Rock Creek Regional Park, 15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Rockville Join a park naturalist for a 75-minute, off-site hike, followed by a social chat. Montgomery Parks mobile nature center, Nature on Wheels will provide seating, water, and bathroom access (stairs). Ages 55 and older. Registration required. $10.
• Veterans Day Skate. Saturday, Nov. 11. Noon-10 p.m. (Cabin John); 12:30–6:30 p.m. (Wheaton). Cabin John Ice Rink, 10610 Westlake Drive, Rockville. Wheaton Ice Arena, 11717 Orebaugh Ave., Wheaton. Salute to servicemen and women. Active-duty military and veterans skate free (skate rental included). Skate times: Cabin John Ice Rink, noon-–2 p.m., 4–6 p.m., 8:30–10 p.m. Wheaton Ice Arena, 12:30–2:30 p.m., 4:30–6:30 p.m.
• Socials for 55+ Wednesday, Nov. 15. 10–11:30 a.m. Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville. A program tailored for individuals aged 55-and-over. This session will include a cozy and memorable campfire gathering at Maydale Nature Classroom. Coffee, hot chocolate and tea will be provided, as well as materials to make smores.Feel free to bring snacks and a light picnic. Registration required. Free.
• Candlelight Tours. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 17-18. 6–8 p.m. Agricultural History Farm Park, 18400 Muncaster Road, Derwood Learn about the history of the farm and the families that lived there from costumed re-enactors. There will be live music and refreshments. All ages. Registration required. $20.
• Holiday BARKet. Sunday, Nov. 18. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Cabin John Regional Park, 7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. Pick up some holiday gifts for your pup or pet-loving friends and enjoy a performance by Capital Effect. Pose for a photo with your dog and the Grinch. Enjoy cider, gluten-free beer and good food. All ages. Free.
• Fall Wedding Vendor Showcase. Monday, Nov. 19. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton. Join us the Brookside Gardens Fall Wedding Vendor Showcase to taste food samples, talk to caterers, photographers, planner, musicians and other wedding professionals, get a tour of the Gardens and preview the “We Speak Weddings Workshop.” Door raffle will offer more than $3,000 in prizes, including a rental at Brookside Gardens. Registration required. Free.
• The Garden Railway Exhibit. Nov. 25-Dec. 31 (closed Dec. 25). 10 a.m.–3:45 p.m. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton. In partnership with the Washington, Virginia, Maryland Garden Railway Society, this beloved attraction is back this year. It will showcase G-scale trails and custom model buildings of Montgomery County landmarks. Sponsored by the Friends of Brookside Gardens. All ages. Free.

Montgomery Parks is a co-sponsor of the following event:

• Discover Long Branch 5K. Sunday, Nov. 19. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Long Branch-Garland Neighborhood Park

Go to Montgomery Parks event calendar for a complete list of special events and programming and to learn how to sign up using ActiveMontgomery. Visit the Fall 2023 Montgomery Parks Program Guide.

18th Montgomery History Conference on Nov. 4 Will Include Address on ‘Black Chevy Chase’ and Sessions on ‘Du-Drop Inn’ and ‘Historic Homes of the Agricultural Reserve’

The 18th Montgomery County History Conference will return as an in-person event for the first time since 2020, with the full day of activities on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Montgomery College in Rockville. The event will include a keynote address on “Black Chevy Chase” and breakout sessions “The Du-Drop Inn of Emory Grove” and the “Historic Homes and Barns of the Agricultural Reserve.”

The conference traditionally offers a myriad of opportunities to engage with local history. It is scheduled for 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Theatre Arts & Science Center of Montgomery College, which is located at 51 Mannakee Street in Rockville.

The morning keynote address about the “Black Chevy Chase” will discuss the wide variety of techniques, not just restrictive covenants, used to prevent homeownership and development by Blacks in the early 20th Century.

In addition to breakout sessions on the Du-Drop Inn and the historic homes and barns of the Ag Reserve, breakout sessions will focus on the families of the Agricultural History Farm Park, Sentinel publisher Rebecca Fields, a history of enslavement in Kensington, the County's Poor Farm, the seven enslavers who have public schools named for them and new techniques for indigenous archaeological research.

The conference will conclude with "A Rockville Journal," a peek back to 1850s Rockville with a portrayal of a local attorney by actor Steve LaRocque.

After that presentation, the conference will have a happy hour reception.

Tickets for the event are $65, plus a $6.21 fee. To purchase tickets, click here. Student registration for $15 is available by emailing proof of student status to Matt Gagle at MGagle@MontgomeryHistory.org.

A full schedule, session descriptions, and more information can be found at the event’s website.