 Tensions from the conflict in the Middle East are being felt across the world and County Executive Marc Elrich this week explains why he and the County Council have approved more than $300,000 in security grants to religious and nonprofit organizations who are at-risk of being targets of hate. He also provides details of the many ways the County is celebrating its business community during Economic Development Week. For Energy Action Month, County Executive Elrich addresses some of the latest initiatives to support the County’s Climate Action Plan.
Stories in this issue include:
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the County Council have expedited $311,700 in Nonprofit Security Grant funding to Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, and Zoroastrian communities in Montgomery County to enhance security measures. Since the outbreak of violence in Israel and Gaza, concern has risen that these communities have been, or will be, threatened by violence and other crimes motivated by hate and bias. These awards will provide immediate assistance to the organizations that are receiving funding to invest in various security measures to protect their communities and facilities.
 Montgomery Parks wants to hear from the community about future improvements to the Capital Crescent trail. The two upcoming meetings, to be held on Thursday, Nov. 2, and Wednesday, Nov. 8, will 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.
 Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has improved its “Residential Fast Track” program and its “Apply Online” portal, creating changes that could lead to permits on some eligible projects being approved in days instead of weeks. The changes continue DPS initiatives that are making its building permit programs and services faster and easier to use for residents and businesses.
 The Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame will induct its 2023 class of six new members on Sunday, Oct. 29, at the Silver Spring Civic Building in Downtown Silver Spring. The fifth class for the Hall of Fame includes legendary figures in their respective fields in Georgetown Prep football coach Jim Fegan, the late Gaithersburg High School football coach John Harvill, Paint Branch basketball star Tracy Jackson, Springbrook High and U.S. national team soccer player Joanna Lohman, tennis player Harold Solomon and television sportscaster Scott Van Pelt, who attended Sherwood High School.
 The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center is holding a fee-waived adoption event for dogs 40 pounds and over through Oct. 31. The “Find Your Boo” adoption event is sponsored by Friends of Montgomery County Animals.
 As Veterans Day approaches on Saturday, Nov. 11, Montgomery County has joined the national “Operation Green Light” salute to veterans and the County’s Commission on Veterans Affairs is seeking additions to its virtual tribute to County veterans. For those who want to attend ceremonies on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, several will be held around the County.
The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have schedule and program changes for Veterans Day Weekend, Friday-Saturday, Nov. 10-11. Veterans Day ceremonies throughout the County will take place on Saturday, Nov. 11. However, the County Government will observe the holiday on Friday, Nov. 10.
 The eighth episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services Podcast series, “Fire Code Compliance and Safety,” features important information for commercial property owners, commercial tenants and even residents sitting around a backyard fire pit about fire code compliance and fire safety.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is connecting people in the County who have a bike to donate with people who need one. On Friday, Oct. 20, MCDOT collected 290 bicycles at its annual one-day bike collection event in Rockville.
 Montgomery College will host “Harvest Fest,” from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on its Rockville campus on Saturday, Oct. 28. The free event for residents of all ages will include an art show, dancing, a coding demonstration, a DJ, ice cream and a raffle. There also be information about Montgomery College classes, offerings, scholarships and financial assistance programs.
 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.”
 Montgomery County’s Alcohol Beverage Services and UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO, in conjunction with County Executive Marc Elrich, are supporting the “Labor of Love Initiative” benefiting March of Dimes. The campaign will take place Oct. 29-Nov. 19.
 Maryland’s Opioid Operational Command Center, in partnership with Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services, will host a town hall on Thursday, Nov. 2, to hear ideas from residents on how Maryland can address the opioid crisis. The event will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. in the third floor hearing room of the Montgomery County Council Office Building, which is located at 100 Maryland Ave in Rockville.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, along with the County’s regional services offices and community partners, is hosting a series of “Community Conversations” to seek input on the Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget. The next conversation will be from 7-8:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 13 at the Silver Spring Civic Building.
The City of Rockville Police will be hosting their first free Halloween “Boo-Vie” Night with a double feature of the family friendly It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown followed by Hocus Pocus shown on a big movie screen starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27. The special event, which will include complimentary food and treats, will be held at Fallsgrove Park at the Thomas Farm Community Center.
|
 A variety of fall harvest festivals and Halloween-themed happenings highlight Montgomery County Recreation’s calendar of special family-friendly events in October. The events will include “Glow-in-the-Dark” pickleball, floating pumpkin patches and a therapeutic enchanted dance.
 “Eye Spy Train Rides” and a “Frankenskate” highlight the upcoming events that will be hosted by Montgomery Parks.
Nocturnal Animal Days on Oct. 27-29 at the Locust Grove Nature Center in Bethesda and the “Witchy Paddle” adventure on Little Seneca Lake on Saturday, Oct. 28, will be the featured events this weekend hosted by the nature centers of Montgomery Parks.
 Montgomery County’s Wheaton Arts & Entertainment District will celebrate Halloween with themed events for adults, children and families on Saturday, Oct. 28, and Sunday, Oct. 29. “HalloWheaton” kicks off with Wheaton’s first-ever trick-or-treating themed bar hop for adults (ages 21 and older) from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday. The festivities continue from noon-4 p.m. on Sunday with family events including Halloween crafts, s'mores roasting, pumpkin painting and costume contests. All “HalloWheaton” events begin at Marian Fryer Town Plaza, located adjacent to 2424 Reedie Drive.
 Residents 18-and-older who are interested in electric scooter lessons will have the opportunity to attend a free clinic sponsored by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, at Montgomery College in Rockville. Participants will be able to take a test ride, learn safety tips and get details on basic scooter laws.
 The Gaithersburg Book Festival is marking its 15th anniversary with an art contest for high school students in Montgomery County. The winning artwork, which will be judged on originality, creativity and overall effect, will be featured on the cover of the 2024 Gaithersburg Book Festival program.
|
