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Happy Halloween! As we reach the end of October, I hope all our residents can safely enjoy the spooky season. This month has been difficult to process everything going on in our communities. With global and domestic conflicts looming, we must do all we can to ensure Montgomery County is a safe, welcoming home for all. We must lead with love.
Standing Up To Bullies
National Stop Bullying Day is an essential day for school children, teachers, and parents to learn about bullying and recognize how they can prevent it. I was honored to acknowledge the occasion in front of the Council along with Damon Monteleone, the Associate Superintendent for MCPS; Kristy Warren, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Family Justice Center; Libby Nealis, Chair of the County's Mental Health Advisory Committee; and James Stowe, Director of the Committee Against Hate/Violence. According to national standards, about 20% of students ages 12-18 have experienced bullying, and approximately 46% of students ages 12-18 bullied during the school year notified an adult at school about the incidents. In Montgomery County, we are proactively countering this harmful behavior with innovative ideas like the Student Strong app developed by students at Blair High School. Do not be a bystander and allow this type of behavior to continue. If you see something, say something.
 Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This year alone, over 297,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Furthermore, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, which is one person every 2 minutes in the U.S. We wear pink every October to recognize all impacted by this disease and raise awareness so that one day, women and families will no longer suffer. The COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted the inequities in breast cancer treatments for under-resourced communities across the country, as well as the disparities in treatment between Black and white women. Black women in the U.S. are about 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. That is unacceptable. On the Health and Human Services Committee, I am committed to funding solutions like the Women’s Cancer Control Program to care for breast cancer survivors and diagnose early treatments.
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With my Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Sisters, and Councilmember Mink at the annual Breast Cancer Walk hosted by Ivy Vine Charities and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Theta Omega Omega Chapter
Supporting Our Interfaith Communities
With the atrocities committed against Israelis on October 7 and the hostages taken into Gaza, the resulting war to eliminate the perpetrators is leaving civilians on both sides at greater risk than at any time in recent history. We call on the Administration to rescue the hundreds of hostages while striving to prevent civilian casualties. Whether it is finding services for newly arrived immigrants or refugees or advocating with the appropriate federal agencies, my office is here to help in any way we can. Locally, we have seen our communities, particularly those who are Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, and Zoroastrian, significantly impacted. I have read terrible stories about religious and identity discrimination, such as the 6-year-old Chicago-area boy, Wadea Al Fayoume, murdered because he was Muslim. We must stay vigilant in the fight against violence and hate. In Montgomery County, I would like to highlight the message of our Faith Community Advisory Group in their latest newsletter. They shared information about resources for responding to hate crimes, preventing bullying, increasing security, reaching out and supporting loved ones abroad, and more. Also of note, the Council unanimously passed a nonprofit security grant program, which provides support to nonprofit or faith-based organizations at a high risk of experiencing hate crimes based on their work, community, or known threats of hate crimes experienced. Now more than ever, we must listen to our interfaith communities and support them as much as possible.
Advocating For Healthy Living
As a public health professional and the county’s Lead for eliminating health disparities, I was honored to accept this year’s Distinguished Advocate for Healthful Living Award from SHAPE Maryland! Thank you to Dr. Cara Grant and the SHAPE Maryland team for nominating me. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthy Schools Initiative, less than one-quarter (24%) of children 6 to 17 years of age participate in 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Further, according to the World Health Organization, 1 in 4 adults do not meet the global recommended physical activity levels. As we recover from the pandemic, with a renewed understanding of the complexities of our broken healthcare system, we must treat the unequal access to healthcare and physical exercise with the urgency it deserves. Thank you to our current and future physical educators for bringing your creative energy to our students' favorite part of the school day. You have my full support for improving health outcomes and access to affordable healthcare, physical education, recreation, dance, and athletics.
S.M.A.R.T. Updates Around The County
Recognizing National Farmers Day
I was honored to invite dozens of farmers for a luncheon and proclamation we hosted at the Council to recognize National Farmers Day. National Farmers Day is a momentous occasion to applaud all the services farmers provide for our communities. They are an integral part of our local economy and food systems, and our County could not function without them. During the luncheon, we heard from dozens of farmers who shared their top priorities and concerns with the Council so that we could better understand how to advocate for them. Earlier this year, the Council supported a $1.36 million budget for the Office of Agriculture, a 27.53% increase from the FY23 Approved Budget of $1.07 million. We also voted to fully fund the Farm to Food Bank program, which provides fresh, locally, and regionally grown produce to those experiencing hunger and food insecurity in our community by purchasing from neighboring farms throughout the growing season. My colleagues and I appreciate all that our farmers contribute and will continue to support them as best we can.
 Gaithersburg & Montgomery Village Community Town Hall
I am sending my deep appreciation to all who came out for the community town hall with Councilmember Dawn Luedtke and me to discuss the vision for a community center that will serve upcounty residents in Gaithersburg & Montgomery Village. Thank you to Department of Recreation Director Robin Riley and her team for informing residents of the County’s CIP process; Councilmember Katz and his staff for always showing up to support these communities; Mike Conroy and the Montgomery Village Foundation for adding a much-needed perspective; Joe Hooks and 480 Club for their enthusiastic community engagement, resulting in the entire Watkins Mill football team showing up after practice; the District 39 delegation, Senator Nancy King and Delegates Greg Wims, Lesley Lopez, and Gabe Acevero, for their continued support at the state level; Councilmembers Jim Mcnulty, Lisa Henderson, and the City of Gaithersburg Parks & Rec leadership for sharing insights on the latest plans for the Lakeforest redevelopment; and finally, Principal Roy Liburd for hosting us with the Montgomery Village Middle School community. You can watch a recap here, as well as submit feedback and ideas here.
 Hispanic Heritage Month
To wrap up Hispanic Heritage Month, I reflected on a beautiful month of events highlighting this year’s theme, “We Are All, We Are One,” through the education, business, civic engagement, and rich culture of the Hispanic community here in Montgomery County and around the world. To start the month, my staff attended Montgomery College’s Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff, which featured Salsa dancing and a live performance from the Joe Falero Band. Next, I spent a lovely evening with Mauricio Vasquez and friends at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Networking Fiesta while meeting many Hispanic business leaders. At the Council, we hosted an excellent Hispanic Heritage Month commemoration, highlighting the success and contributions of many Hispanic leaders throughout the County. In Wheaton, my chief of staff participated in the Wheaton Arts Parade, spotlighting dozens of Hispanic-led businesses and organizations. Finally, I was privileged to celebrate and congratulate business leaders recognized at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Leadership Awards Gala. Along with my colleagues, Councilmember Fani-Gonzalez and Councilmember Albornoz, we presented a proclamation on behalf of the Council to commemorate the incredible impact the Chamber has had over the past 25 years!
 AMBER Fellowship Program
I was honored to welcome the new cohort of AMBER fellows with the Montgomery County Black Collective. This invaluable program equips minority business owners with the skills needed to become successful business owners with great confidence and a supportive village. I spoke to the new cohort about my legislation to ensure that the Minority, Female, and Disabled-Owned Business Program continues to thrive. I also highlighted the Council’s continued funding and support of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, particularly with their Small Business Accelerator Program, which offers business fundamentals, mentorship, and access to capital. The work of the Montgomery County Black Collective and the AMBER program is one of the resources I am proud to champion in our community, particularly as a proud member of the Council’s newly created Economic Development Committee.
 CASA Citizenship Clinic
I had a great time participating in CASA’s annual citizenship clinic! CASA's citizenship team helps hundreds of legal permanent residents start their journey to becoming naturalized U.S. citizens. For the clinic, they partnered with Americorps, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the Department of Civic Service and Innovation to help at least 65 legal permanent residents take a step closer to naturalization. It was also an honor to join Maryland's first immigrant Lt. Governor, Aruna Miller, as well as Secretary Paul Monteiro, Senator Malcolm Augustine, and Delegates Bernie Mireku-North and Gabe Acevero to support CASA’s incredible work and wrap-around support services for the immigrant community.
 Upcounty Hub's Third Anniversary
Cheers to three years of the Upcounty Hub caring for our community! Their third anniversary was a wonderful celebration raising funds for the nonprofit we did not know we needed until the pandemic hit. As government leaders, we could not do the work alone to care for our Upcounty residents in need. Three years later, the nonprofit has grown and continues to support our most vulnerable communities through difficult times. I commend CEO Grace Rivera-Oven and the Upcounty Hub team for serving 1,300 families every week by providing food and essential items and services to residents in need in upper Montgomery County.
 Western Montgomery Economic Development Summit
The Western Montgomery Economic Summit is a half-day forum that brings state, county, and local leaders together to explore opportunities to boost the Greater Poolesville area’s economy, focusing on tourism and visits to the area’s historic, outdoor, and entertainment venues. Thank you to the Fair Access Committee for Western Montgomery and the Town of Poolesville for leading great discussions, highlighted by Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson. The panelists tackled timely topics such as the lack of medical services contributing to poor outcomes, the value of rural living, Thrive 2050 and preserving the Agricultural Reserve, and how Western Montgomery can position itself as an attractive destination and location for agricultural, recreational, cultural, and other economic activities.
 4th Great Montgomery County Bike Summit
On October 29th, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association held its 4th Great Montgomery County Bike Summit. Four sessions featured elected officials, explored progress toward Vision Zero, and discussed plans to create a bicycle network spanning Montgomery County. We are grateful for the outstanding advocates we have in the community, such as Seth Grimes, Kandese Holford, Matt Baker, and Peter Gray. The list goes on and on. I want to see safe streets in our communities and will continue advocating for it in my capacity as an At-Large Councilmember.
 Brookeville Bypass Dedication
I was honored to join Lt. Governor Aruna Miller and Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) State Highway Administrator Pines for the Brookeville Bypass Dedication. We recognized the steadfast advocacy of former MD Senator Karen Montgomery and Brookville Commissioner Clyde Unglesbee for making this project a reality. Thank you to the Town of Brookeville, the District 14 delegation, MDOT staff, and all involved!
Legislative Updates
Police Advisory Commission
The Council passed amendments to the Police Advisory Commission, including changing the name to the Advisory Commission on Police, which was in response to feedback from the NAACP and other advocacy groups. During the Council session, I voiced my strong support to ensure that the Commission remains as accessible as possible to represent all voices in our community, including our young people. In just four years since the Commission began, it has been an integral resource for giving residents a platform to advise the County Council on police accountability matters.
White’s Ferry
It has been almost three years since White’s Ferry closed, which is unacceptable. The Transportation & Environment Committee met with Elizabeth Devlin, the Virginia-side landowner, and Chuck Kuhn, the Maryland-side landowner, to further negotiations on a deal to open the ferry. Also in attendance were Chris Conklin, MCDOT Director; Jim Brown, President of the Poolesville Town Commission; Charles “Link” Hoewing with the Fair Access Committee; and District 15 Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo. Since this is privately owned land, the County remains committed to working with stakeholders to ensure White’s Ferry operates again.
Retail Market And Vacant Space
Given the challenges our economy is navigating post-pandemic, the Economic Development Committee focuses on strategies for utilizing vacant space in the County. During a recent work session regarding the retail market, the Planning Department shared that the current vacancy rate is 5.7%, while the office market vacancy rate is 16.3%. Meanwhile, nationally, the retail market vacancy rate is at roughly 4%, while the office vacancy rate is at approximately 18%. Chair Fani-Gonzalez called on our expert staff to summarize these discussions and propose recommendations for how our Committee’s work will fix this issue. Please share your thoughts on this feedback, as we are eager to hear from our residents before making a final recommendation to the full Council later this Fall.
Drone As First Responder Pilot Program
The Public Safety and Government Operations & Fiscal Policy Committee held a work session on a $350,000 special appropriation for the MCPD Drone as First Responder Pilot Program. The special appropriation unanimously passed the joint committee and will come before the full Council in early November. I was glad to see my colleague, Councilmember Stewart, propose amendments to clarify further how the pilot program will protect the privacy of community members through certain operational restrictions and appropriate data transparency.
State Legislative Discussion
The Council discussed state legislative priorities to get a better sense of the Montgomery County Delegation’s priority projects for the upcoming legislative session. It is great to see a significant amount of funding allocated for Bus Rapid Transit and other transit investments. We also reviewed MACo’s legislative priorities to launch forward-thinking firefighter and EMS initiatives, provide transparency in education funding, and advance comprehensive housing solutions. Finally, my heart goes out to Sergeant Patrick Kepp and his family after being intentionally struck by a driver on the I-270, resulting in permanently losing the usage of his legs. I join the Council to affirm our commitment to hold the driver accountable to the State to stop reckless driving.
School To Prison Pipeline Report
Dr. Elaine Bonner-Tompkins, with the Office of Legislative Oversight, presented a report on the School to Prison Pipeline to the Education & Culture and Public Safety Committees. She shared that racial disparities have mostly remained the same between 2014/2015 and 2019/2020, with Black students removed from school at two times the rate of their peers and more than twice as likely to be involved with the Department of Juvenile Services or arrested. These numbers are incredibly concerning, and I look forward to contributing to the joint Education & Culture and Health and Human Services Committee session on Thursday, discussing early childhood education initiatives.
Upcoming Events
November 2: Opioid Town Hall with Secretary Emily Keller
Maryland’s Opioid Operational Command Center (OOCC), in partnership with Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), will host a town hall to hear ideas from residents on how Maryland can address the opioid crisis. The event is on Thursday, November 2, from 6-7:30 p.m. in the third-floor hearing room of the Montgomery County Council Office Building, located at 100 Maryland Ave in Rockville.
November 4: 18th Montgomery County History Conference
Join Montgomery History on Nov. 4 for the 18th edition of the ever-popular Montgomery County History Conference. They are partnering with Montgomery College and will be holding it in person, for the first time since 2020, on their Rockville campus. The conference will offer myriad opportunities to engage with local history, including a keynote address, eight breakouts, a boxed lunch, a performance, and a happy hour reception.
November 4: 13th Annual HBCU College Fair
My church, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, will host its 13th Annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) College Fair, featuring over 30 HBCUs, providing an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about preparing for college life, applying for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS), internship and study abroad opportunities, entrepreneurship programs, and on the spot acceptance interviews! Please save the date and share it with your families and friends with graduating seniors.
November 7: Election Day for Rockville and Gaithersburg
As a former Municipal Official in the City of Gaithersburg, I often remind residents that elections happen annually in our country. Next week, the City of Rockville and the City of Gaithersburg have elections on Tuesday, November 7. The Rockville candidates are listed here, and the Gaithersburg candidates are listed here. You can also find a summary of the Rockville ballot initiatives here. Rockville and Gaithersburg have separate jurisdiction from the County on many issues, and eligible residents are encouraged to mail in their ballots and come out to vote! I also want to thank outgoing Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton and Councilmember Beryl L. Feinberg, who has opted not to run for re-election, for their immense contributions to creating a vibrant, inclusive community in the the City of Rockville.
November 11: Veterans Day
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, there are several to participate in around the County.
November 18: Silver Spring Thanksgiving Parade
The annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade occurs on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 10 a.m. in Downtown Silver Spring. The parade starts on Ellsworth Drive near the Silver Spring Civic Building, goes up Ellsworth to Georgia Avenue, left on Georgia, and down to Silver Spring Avenue, where it ends. Enjoy larger-than-life inflatable turkeys and penguins, glittering floats, marching bands, dancing groups, and Santa and his elves! The more, the merrier. Please sign up to walk with our team here.
Community Resource Hub
- Landscapers in Montgomery County—the Department of Environmental Protection wants your opinions/experience on using electric leaf blowers! Montgomery County has passed a law prohibiting using gas-powered leaf blowers starting July 1, 2025. This 5-minute survey will gather your perspective on a possible gas-to-electric leaf blower exchange and rebate program to help offset any financial burden of the transition.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture is extending the deadline for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program to Jan. 13, 2024, to give eligible farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners more time to apply for assistance. To learn more about the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program or receive help in English or Spanish, visit http://www.22007apply.gov, email info@22007apply.gov, or contact the national call center at 1-800-721-0970 from 8 a.m. ET to 8 p.m. PT every day except federal holidays.
- 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 allow 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.
- The Mid-County Regional Office - Wheaton Urban District is looking for Spring 2024 interns. This paid opportunity involves a ten-week professional, civic engagement, and leadership development program that provides aspiring leaders a chance to serve and engage communities across Montgomery County. Bilingual and multicultural candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
- The Montgomery County Community Action Agency’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program recruits volunteers to become IRS-certified VITA tax preparers, schedulers, greeters, quality reviewers, and site coordinators during the upcoming tax season (January–mid-April). VITA provides free tax help to Montgomery County residents, including ITIN taxpayers, with household incomes of $64,000 or less.
- National Drug Take Back Day occurred on October 28, encouraging residents to bring their expired, unwanted, or unused prescription medications to a district station and dispose of them safely, conveniently, and responsibly. Prescription drug disposal boxes are in all six Montgomery County Police Department’s district station lobbies for residents' use.
- In light of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation offers many resources for individuals who have been diagnosed with or are at risk of breast cancer. They recommend learning about your family history, getting screened with a mammogram, and knowing your normal so that you can talk with your healthcare provider if something does not look or feel right.
Yours in Service,
Laurie-Anne Sayles
Councilmember At-Large
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