November 8, 2019

As chair of the Public Safety Committee, I am happy to welcome the new Police Chief of Montgomery County - Marcus Jones. He will become Montgomery County’s 17th police chief. The Council confirmed him on Tuesday, November 5th. He has been with the Montgomery County Police Department for 34 years and served as the acting police chief since June 2019. Prior to taking over as acting police chief, Jones served as the assistant chief of the Investigative Services Bureau, among many other positions.

My Responsibilities

I am honored to represent District 3 on the Montgomery County Council. I serve as Vice President for the Council, Chair of the Public Safety Committee and a member of the Government Operations Committee.

Council News

At the November 5th County Council Session:

• The Council presented a proclamation recognizing November as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month. Colder temperatures usher in an increased threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. This kills more people in the winter months than any other time of year.
• The Council voted unanimously to enact Bill 30-19, the CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act, which prohibits discrimination based on natural hairstyles such as braids, locks, afros, curls and twists. 

Katz in the Community

The 7th American Indian & Alaska Native Heritage Month Social Powwow took place in Gaithersburg. It was hosted by the Indian Health Services employees association and the City of Gaithersburg's multicultural affairs committee. Everyone enjoyed dancing, a drum group and music!!

It was a great night at the 36th Annual Gala for the Jewish Foundation for Group Homes (JFGH). The theme was "Embracing the Future." JFGH is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the independence, dignity, choice and community inclusion of individuals with disabilities, regardless of faith or creed.

I attended the grand opening and ribbon cutting for the New Emory Grove Early Childhood Center. This is the second prekindergarten/early childhood center in Montgomery County that combines general and special education programming in one location. I am pictured with Shebra Evans, president of the Montgomery County Board of Education. Of special note is the fact that I attended third and fourth grade in this building!

Congratulations on the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Manfield Kaseman Health Clinic. They provide culturally appropriate, caring interactions for any low-income Montgomery County adult who lacks health insurance. The clinic, located in downtown Rockville, is open three days a week and was established in 2009.

DISTRICT 3 - HISTORY NOTE 

Did you know that District 3 is the home of the grave sites of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald?

Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald lie together in eternal peace at the now-called St.Mary’s Church Historic Cemetery in Rockville, Maryland. Written on their gravestone is the last line from The Great Gatsby: “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

Things To Do and See in District 3

Saturday, November 9th: Rockville Farmers Market (Jury Lot - corner of Route 28 and Monroe Street in Rockville). Your pick of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, various plants, cut flowers, preserves, honey, herbs and baked goods. 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. More info -  Farmers Market

Monday, November 11th: Veterans Day Ceremony (Veterans Park - Route 28 and Route 355). Join Rockville’s Mayor and Council at this annual ceremony in honor of the men and women who serve in the nation’s armed forces. 11 am to 12 noon. More info -  Veterans Day 

Monday, November 11th: Veterans Day Ceremony (Concert Pavilion - 31 South Summit Avenue in Gaithersburg). The annual Veterans Day Observance honors  & recognizes all U.S. military personnel. 11 a.m. More info - Veterans Day

Saturday, November 9th: Main Street Farmers Market (Main Street Pavilion in the Kentlands, Gaithersburg). 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. You will find fresh foods, potted plants and cut flowers. The farmers are joined by local artists and craftspeople with unique handcrafted items. More info - Main Street Market

Thursday, November 14th: Fulks Corner Farmers Market (Fulks Corner Lot - corner of Route 355 and Fulks Corner Aveune in Old Towne, Gaithersburg). Seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked goods, teas, herb and spice blends, beef, eggs, beef jerky, flowers and dog treats are for sale. 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm. More info - Fulks Corner Market

Thursday, November 14th: Figuratively Speaking Art Exhibit (Gaithersburg Arts Barn - 311 Kent Square Road in Gaithersburg). This unique exhibit explores the art of the human figure from a variety of styles and genres. On exhibit until November 18th. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. More info -Figuratively Speaking Exhibit 

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT INFO

You Asked. We answered! Some District 3 residents requested information on Montgomery County Planning Department public meetings. 

Montgomery Planning invites the community to attend Pedestrian Master Plan community meetings. This master plan is an effort to make walking in Montgomery County safer and more comfortable, convenient and direct. 

November 13, 2019 from 6:45 pm to 8:15 pm at the Wheaton Regional Library (11701 Georgia Avenue, Wheaton, MD). More Info - Community Meetings

REMINDER

Please remember that Montgomery County Government offices will be closed on Monday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day.

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