The Katz Update: Happy Thanksgiving!!

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November 22, 2019

asian

I co-hosted an Asian American Business Roadmap event with Delegate Lily Qi (District 15). Speakers included Montgomery County Director of Procurement Ash Shetty and Montgomery County Small Business Navigator Judy Stephenson. We had a great turnout with a lot of interesting questions on running and starting a business in Montgomery County!!

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 19th County Council Session:

  • The Council presented a proclamation recognizing Northwest HS student Kayla DiCello for winning the U.S. Junior Women’s Gymnastic Championship.
  • The Council unanimously enacted the Racial Equity and Social Justice Act. The goal of the legislation is to institutionalize the norms of racial equity and social justice into the work of county government. 
  • The Council received an update on the Vision Zero program. This is a wide-ranging program involving engineering, education, and enforcement initiatives to significantly reduce and even eliminate fatal and severe injury accidents to pedestrians, bicyclists and motor vehicle users by 2030.

 

Katz in the Community

mayor

I attended the 2019 Inauguration Ceremony for the Mayor and Council of the City of Rockville. Congrats to Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton (pictured) and Councilmembers Monique Ashton, Beryl Feinberg, David Myles and Mark Pierzchala. Also, the Richard Montgomery H.S. Jazz Ensemble did a great job playing the musical prelude. 

pedestrian

I participated in a "Rally for Safe Streets" organized by the Twinbrook Community Association and the Action Committee for Transit. Montgomery County adopted a Vision Zero traffic safety initiative to eliminate pedestrian fatalities by 2030 (see Council News above). Our county is one of the first county governments in the United States to initiate a Vision Zero plan. Tragically, we are still facing a number of pedestrian and bicyclists fatalities by motor vehicles.   

better

It was a beautiful evening celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Peerless Rockville's annual awards program. The awards honored outstanding achievement in the design, maintenance and preservation of the Rockville community. Peerless Rockville recognizes individuals, organizations, institutions and businesses whose projects and programs contribute to Rockville’s architectural character and cultural heritage.

poster

I was proud to attend the Montgomery County NAACP Armed Forces and Veteran Affairs Committee Open House. There was a  screening of the documentary film "The Six Triple Eight" produced by Edna Cummings. Six Triple Eight was the nickname for the only Black female battalion that served in Europe during World War II. Despite facing racism and sexism, the women managed to sort through 7 million pieces of mail, giving soldiers a much needed connection with loved ones on the home front.

 

DISTRICT 3 - HISTORY NOTE 

Did you know that Washington Grove in District 3 was started as an idyllic location to hold religious camp meetings?   

In June 1873, several men purchased 267.5 acres of land from the widow of farmer Nathan Cooke for $6,636.25. The land was given to the Washington Grove Meeting Association to hold annual Methodist camp meetings.   

 

Things To Do and See in District 3

Friday, November 22nd to Sunday, November 24th: Sugarloaf Crafts Festival Gaithersburg (Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds - 13 Chestnut Street in Gaithersburg). Leap into the holiday season by treating yourself to a truly unique shopping experience. There are more than 400 juried artisans waiting to greet you in person as they show off their latest and greatest creations. More info - Sugarloaf Crafts Festival

Friday, November 22nd: Free wine tasting (Dawson's Market - 225 N. Washington Street in Rockville). Get away to the vineyard without stepping foot out of the City of Rockville! 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. More info -  Wine Tasting

Saturday, November 23th: 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

Saturday, November 23th: Author Event (Rockville Memorial Library - 21 Maryland Avenue in Rockville). Rob Scheer, founder of Comfort Cases and author of A Forever Family: Fostering Change One Child at a Time. 3:30 pm. His personal story with the foster care system is poignant and inspiring. More info -  Author Event

 

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT INFO


December 16 at 10 am – The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission will hold a full committee meeting at the Montgomery Planning headquarters (8787 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring). Open to the public.

More information - https://montgomeryplanningboard.org/

Happy Thanksgiving

 

Please Send Us Your Thoughts, Concerns and News!

We want to hear from you about your achievements, celebrations, issues and ideas.  Email: Councilmember.Katz@montgomerycountymd.gov 

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