 County Executive Marc Elrich this week talks about how the unofficial end of summer brought some positive news regarding efforts to control crime and violence in the County. Reports also remain in the right direction on COVID-19 as Montgomery’s community transmission rate continues to be “low.” He asks anyone who is struggling with life matters—or who knows family members or friends who are—to be aware of warning signs as September is recognized as “Suicide Prevention Month.” The County Executive also points out a new survey from Wallet Hub that ranks four County jurisdictions—Gaithersburg, Germantown, Rockville and Silver Spring—among the top 10 most-diverse communities in the nation.
 Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra will headline the free outdoor 17th Silver Spring Jazz Festival, which will take place from 3-10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept.10, on Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring.
 The ninth annual Montgomery County “Friendship Picnic” will again bring people of diverse cultures and faiths together to make new friends and discuss ways to build a stronger community. The free picnic will be held from noon-5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18, at Wheaton Regional Park.
 Montgomery County health officials, in partnership with the Latino Health Initiative, will host a virtual monkeypox town hall meeting from 6-7:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 12. The meeting is the second in a series planned by the County. This one will focus on the Latino community.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) on Sunday, Sept. 11, will begin its semi-annual interior washdown to degrease and clean 21 County-owned parking garages in Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton on nights and weekends. The cleanings will start with the Silver Spring garages and are scheduled to conclude with the Wheaton garages on Friday, Nov. 4.
 City of Rockville City Police will offer residents an opportunity to get to know the men and women of the department at an open house at the police station in Downtown Rockville from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is asking current, former and potential Ride On bus users to take a Customer Satisfaction Survey, which will be available online through Friday, Oct. 7. Those who participate will be entered into a drawing that will award $100 gift cards to the names selected.
 Montgomery County will be offering a free webinar from 10 a.m.-noon on Sunday, Sept. 11, on understanding the process of installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in condominiums, co-ops and townhome communities.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation will adjust 24 Ride On bus route schedules starting Sunday, Sept. 11, to improve efficiency. Although service levels are staying relatively the same, the changes reflect a shift in resources to allow for more reliable service. The new schedules will be available at rideonbus.com and in print.
 Montgomery County continues to be in the “low” community transmission rate for COVID-19. However, the COVID-19 virus remains as a considerable concern as schools are back in session and many fall activities and programs are beginning.
 Montgomery Parks will have a full lineup of special events in September, including festivals, free salsa lessons, happy hours and yappy hours that will be opportunities to bring along furry friends. There are events for all ages and interests.
 William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Jason King Jones, will be performed by the National Players at 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9, and at 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn.
 Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, has opened Piedmont Woods Local Park in Clarksburg. The 65-acre park provides opportunities for recreation, social gatherings and contemplative reflection.
 Montgomery County’s Asian American Health Initiative (AAHI), which is part of the County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), recently launched the “Healthy Communities Fund.” The fund will support Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) organizations that provide linguistically and culturally appropriate services to the diverse AAPI community in the County.
 The Washington Area Bicycle Association (WABA), in collaboration with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, this fall will continue its series of classes to teach adults how to ride bicycles—and how to do it safely. Classes will be held on Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Upper County Community Recreation Center in Gaithersburg; on Sunday, Oct. 16, at Westfall Montgomery Mall in Bethesda; and on Saturday, Nov. 5, at Wheaton Ice Rink in Wheaton Regional Park.
 Residents 18-and-older who are interested in electric scooter lessons will have the opportunity to attend four free clinics in September, October and November sponsored by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation. Participants will be able to take a test ride, learn safety tips and get details on basic scooter laws.
 Montgomery County officials have announced that community organizations involved in food recovery and food security may apply for mini-grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 to improve capacity and infrastructure of the local food recovery system. The grants also will be available for innovative and collaborative approaches to reducing food insecurity.
 Montgomery County is looking for colorful performing units and creative groups to march in the annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade, which this year will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, in Silver Spring. Applications for units to participate are due on Sept. 19. The Montgomery County event is the only Thanksgiving Parade in the Washington metropolitan area.
 Montgomery County Public Libraries will offer free online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting job seekers and entrepreneurs throughout September.
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