 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich this week addresses the potential benefits of a drone pilot program that is being launched by the County Police Department. He also discusses the impact that the entire State, and Montgomery County, will see from the future Federal Bureau of Investigation headquarters that will be built in nearby Prince George’s County. And as Thanksgiving Weekend approaches, among the things County Executive Elrich says he is most thankful for are the positive changes that are being made throughout the County. He adds that, during the holiday season, we must do whatever is possible to help those who are less fortunate. He additionally offers thoughts on the passing this week of Karen Cordry, who was a dedicated community advocate.
Stories in this issue include:
 The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have schedule and program changes for Thanksgiving Weekend, Thursday-Friday, Nov. 23-24.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation and the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) have activated a “Holiday Task Force” to detect impaired drivers. Considering the start of the holiday season typically sees an increase in the number of fatal alcohol-related crashes, MCPD will establish sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols throughout Thanksgiving Weekend to New Year’s holiday period.
 The Chevy Chase Library, located at 8005 Connecticut Ave. in Chevy Chase, will close for essential plumbing repairs on Monday, Nov. 27. The building is expected to reopen at 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 4.
 Information about proposed improvements and renovations to Rosemary Hills-Lyttonsville Local Park in Silver Spring will be the focus of a hybrid community meeting hosted by Montgomery Parks at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13. The meeting will be held at Gwendolyn E. Coffield Community Center in Silver Spring, with residents also able to participate via Zoom.
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration has started a project to maintain pavement and improve ride quality on I-495 (the Capital Beltway) that will impact Montgomery County drivers through the end of the year. The work will be done five nights a week between MD 191 (Bradley Boulevard) and east of Linden Lane and between east of Northwest Branch Anacostia River and US 29 (Colesville Road).
The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ Aging and Disability Services Division continues to provide free hearing aids and personal sound amplifiers to eligible residents age 60-and-over. The County is partnering with Access HEARS, Inc., a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect individuals with hearing loss to the solutions they need to age well.
Montgomery County’s Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) will open registration on Sunday, Dec. 3, for limited availability whiskey lotteries that provide opportunities to purchase highly sought spirits. These lotteries will be open only to Montgomery County residents and licensees. ABS expects to release more than 400 bottles for purchase in the lotteries.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, along with the County’s regional services offices and community partners, is hosting a series of 10 “Community Conversations” to seek input on the Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget. The next conversation, from 7-8:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 27, will be a hybrid meeting that will focus on the Chinese community.
 The Montgomery County Charter Review Commission is soliciting public comments on what matters the commission should consider for possible revisions to the County’s Charter.
 Since the late 1970s, the punk rock subculture has thrived in Montgomery County. The time between the opening (1977) and closing (2002) dates of Yesterday & Today Records—a punk scene hub that both inspired and employed countless punks—was a profoundly active time for punk music and culture in Montgomery County. Starting Monday, Nov. 27, Montgomery History will present a free, online look at “Suburban Wasteland: Punk Culture in Montgomery County from 1977 to 2002.” The event will be viewable for a one-week period.
 Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation is seeking County high school students to serve as "Vision Zero Youth Ambassadors." The project-based learning program teaches teens leadership skills, the importance of roadway design, law enforcement, outreach and engagement techniques to address traffic safety needs in their community. Applications are being accepted through Friday, Dec. 15.
 A Stakeholders Forum, hosted by the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services, will be held from 8:30 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, Dec. 6, in the second-floor auditorium of the Wheaton headquarters of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. The forum is designed for architects, builders, contractors, designers, developers, engineers, land use attorneys, permit expediters and other professionals.
 The upcoming special events and programs of Montgomery Parks will include Project FeederWatch on Thursday and Friday nights at the Locust Grove Nature Center in Bethesda and Full Moon Friday on Nov. 24 at Locust Grove.
The feeling of celebrating a holiday on a farm will be the theme on Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 2-3, at the annual “Christmas on the Farm” event at the Montgomery Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood. Among the highlights will be the opportunity to see farm animals up close, to visit the park’s tool museum and to enjoy free cookies and cider.
Committee Against Hate Violence ‘Federal Hate Crimes Training Seminar’ to be Held on Wednesday Night, Dec. 6, in Rockville
The Montgomery County Committee Against Hate Violence of the County Office of Human Rights, at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6, will sponsor a “Federal Hate Crimes” Training Seminar focusing on the Federal civil rights laws pertaining to Hate/Bias/Violence. The program will be held at the Rockville Memorial Library.
|
 The Maryland Energy Administration is seeking feedback from contractors, training organizations, labor groups, community-based organizations and other parties that install energy efficiency and electrification measures in residential homes and multifamily buildings. The survey wants to measure Maryland’s applications to Federal programs. The survey deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 28.
|
