 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich urges the County Council to disapprove “Thrive 2050” long-term plan for County growth to allow the racial equity and social justice issues to be addressed. He thinks the plan, as written, has too many flaws. He talks about the recent dedication of Parkside Landing apartments in Rockville and said it is part of his plan to provide more affordable housing in the County. He provides updates on COVID-19 and monkeypox. And he talks about the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins this week.
 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 nonprofit organizations such as local watershed groups, homeowner and community associations, faith-based organizations, service and civic groups can now apply for grants ranging from $40,000 to $100,000 through the “Clean Water Montgomery Grant Program.” The County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Chesapeake Bay Trust (the Trust) are partners in the program through the Trust’s grant process.
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Pages of Former Local Newspapers, including Many Years of The Gazette, Now Available Due to Preservation Efforts on Montgomery History
More than 77,000 pages from 1,575 issues of The Montgomery Gazette and other local newspapers have been digitized and are now available for viewing at the Jane C. Sween Library in Rockville due to the preservation efforts of Montgomery History.
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 The “Summer Reading Challenge” held by Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) had an enthusiastic participation level of 12,958 students ages 17-and-under. This summer’s program, under the theme of “Oceans of Possibilities,” was conducted in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Washington Nationals and the Friends of the Library Montgomery County.
 A display of electric vehicles, a classic car show, a 5K run/walk, a parade and activities for the entire family will all be part of the free annual “Poolesville Day” from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17. The event, which has been celebrated for more than 25 years, will take place in the Whalen Commons area of Poolesville on Fisher Avenue.
Sixth Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival Returns on Sunday, Sept. 25, with Events on Marian Fryer Plaza
The Sixth Annual Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival returns to the streets of Wheaton on Sunday, Sept. 25, with activities on Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Downtown Wheaton following the unique parade. The free event celebrates the artistic and cultural diversity of the community and provides a showcase for local artists.
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Child and Adult Used Bicycles Can Be Donated at Annual Department of Transportation Event on Friday, Oct. 14, in Rockville
Bicycles that are no longer being used by some can make a big difference for others. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s annual Bicycle Donation Drive on Friday, Oct. 14, will make it easy to donate previously owned bikes and ensure they will have a continued impact.
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 The Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) participated in financing, with a 40-year Housing Initiative Fund loan of $5,342,517, to support preservation and renovation of 177 affordable units at Parkside Landing Apartments in Rockville. Through lending, DHCA supported preserving 118 affordable units and producing 59 additional affordable units – for a total of 177 units now priced affordably.
 The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is reminding homeowners with septic systems about the importance of proper maintenance as the County recognizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 10th anniversary of “Septic Smart Week” from Sept. 19-23.
The Ninth Annual Harvest Moon Festival, which is a free, multicultural event of arts, entertainment and exhibitors, will be held on Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring from 1-7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25. The celebration will have music and activities for all ages.
 Camelot, with book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe, will be presented by the Landless Theatre Company on Sept. 16-18 and Sept. 23-25 at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn. The majestic musical brings the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table to life with memorable characters and a story that poignantly dramatizes the age-old conflicts of the human heart.
New Online Tool Will Help Older Adults Find Transportation Providers
Montgomery County recently launched a new online tool to help older adults find volunteer ride providers to help them get where they need to go, when they need to get there.
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 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has started 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 started with the Silver Spring garages and are scheduled to conclude with the Wheaton garages on Friday, Nov. 4.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has adjusted 24 Ride On bus route schedules 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 schedule is 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.
The 2023 Gaithersburg Book Festival’s annual high school poetry contest is now open for submissions. The themes for 2023 are “Diversity or Inclusion.” To participate, students must be enrolled in grades 9-12 at a public or private school, or be in a homeschool program, for the 2022-23 school year. Entrants must reside in Maryland, Virginia or the District of Columbia.
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 Montgomery Parks will have a full lineup of special events in September, including festivals and an Octoberfest celebration. There are events for all ages and interests.
 In partnership with Montgomery County’s public safety departments, its Office of Human Resources will hold a two-session Public Safety Career Fair for job seekers 18-and-over on Saturday, Oct. 22, at the County’s Public Safety Training Academy in Gaithersburg. The County is seeking to fill more than 100 positions across the County’s public safety cluster.
 Montgomery County Recreation’s Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center, which opened in 1972 and this year is celebrating 50 years of serving the community, will observe its golden anniversary with a free community celebration from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8.
 Residents 18-and-older who are interested in electric scooter lessons will have the opportunity to attend free clinics in 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 Public Libraries will offer online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting job seekers and entrepreneurs throughout September. All workshops are free.
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