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February 20, 2024

Expanding Recreation Opportunities in Montgomery Village and Gaithersburg

Thank you to the Montgomery County Department of Recreation for hosting Rec ‘N Resources at Montgomery Village Middle School earlier this month! And thank you to everyone who attended to get connected with County services and take part in the fun games, activities, and crafts. 

This is part of an ongoing effort to expand access to recreation opportunities in the Montgomery Village and Gaithersburg areas. Last fall, Councilmember Sayles and I hosted a town hall to hear directly from the community about their recreation wants and needs.

Since then, we have continued to push this effort forward through regular meetings with stakeholders and by pursuing ways to expand access to existing recreation facilities and services. On February 14, we sent a capital budget request to County Executive Marc Elrich to begin the facility planning process for a future recreation center.

Councilmember Luedtke at Rec ‘N Resources in Montgomery Village. Click the image for more information on spring programs and classes.

Focus on the Damascus High School Auto Technology Program

The automotive program at Damascus High School has prepared hundreds of students for good-paying and highly-skilled future careers as technicians and in other roles in the automotive industry. In December, we learned that early plans for the renovation project at Damascus High School didn’t include space to maintain this terrific program. I’ve communicated with MCPS the need to maintain Auto Technology at Damascus – in addition to working with community and PTA leaders to keep the much-needed renovation project on-schedule in the County's capital budget.

The Automotive Trades Foundation, one part of a terrific partnership between MCPS and local businesses in the automotive, construction, information technology, hospitality, and restaurant management industries, hosted a presentation last week featuring graduates telling their stories. Since it was founded in 1978, the Automotive Trades Foundation has sold about 3,000 used vehicles to community members that students triaged and re-conditioned as the first step toward earning Auto Service Excellence (ASE) certification. Zach Jones, who now works for Fitzgerald Auto Malls, began Damascus’ program as a junior under instructor Raul Ortiz. Hearing the real-life story of Zach and all of the students who have made a career in the industry is a testament to the success of career education.

If you’re in the market for a vehicle, consider supporting the Automotive Trades Foundation at its upcoming sale on Saturday from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. at Damascus High School.

Zach Jones, one of the graduates of the Automotive Trades Foundation program at Damascus High School, speaks to its importance.

Corrections and Rehabilitation Gets High Marks

Click the play button to watch Councilmember Luedtke's tour of the DOCR facility.

Rehabilitation is a critical element of public safety that's too often overlooked. As a member of the Council’s Public Safety Committee, I had the recent opportunity to tour the County's Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR) facility in Clarksburg to see how incarcerated individuals are equipped with marketable skills and prepared for success after release. Click the video above of this link to learn more. 

DOCR recently received its reaccreditation, meaning it exemplifies national best practices for correctional and rehabilitation operations.

Thank you to the facility’s workforce development coaches, librarians, dieticians, correctional officers, and many others for your hard work. 

State Legislation

The 2024 General Assembly is in full swing. I've submitted testimony on a number of bills that will impact Montgomery County - including needed reforms to the state's juvenile justice system that we've discussed in detail at the Council.

There are hundreds of proposed state laws relating to public safety, health services, traffic safety, and more. Reach out to councilmember.luedtke@montgomerycountymd.gov if you're interested in learning more. 

In The Community

Celebrating Lunar New Year

I was honored to participate in the festivities at the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center's annual Lunar New Year celebration and witness amazing performances!

Councilmember Luedtke attends the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center's annual Lunar New Year celebration.

District 7 Teacher Finalist for MCPS Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Flower Hill Elementary School’s Carrie Kraynak, who is a finalist for MCPS Teacher of the Year! Carrie is an English Language Development teacher and team leader. She uses a range of strategies to support students’ language development and academic growth, and her colleague says, “Students are excited to work with her each and every day, and they are so proud to show her how much they are learning. She goes above and beyond to support fellow staff members, and is a friend to all.” The MCPS Teacher of the Year will be announced May 1, and the winner will go on to compete for Maryland Teacher of the Year.

Join Youth Advocates to Make a Difference This Women's History Month

The Yellow Roses, a group of local youth advocates, are embarking on a Women's History Month of Service this March. Learn more about this terrific organization and how to serve.

Department of Transportation Video Contest Accepting Submissions

Attention high schoolers: the Department of Transportation's Heads Up, Phones Down video contest is accepting submissions through February 29. Help educate others while earning SSL hours and potentially win one of the grand prizes! 

Project Prom Dress Accepting Donations

Montgomery County Recreation is collecting new and gently used dresses, suits, shoes and accessories for Project Prom Dress! Through February 29, donations can be brought to the Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center. 

MCPD Community Resources Fair Coming Up

The Montgomery County Police Department is hosting a Community Resource Fair and Forum on March 1, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at Long Branch Community Center to provide community members with an opportunity to meet with a variety of organizations and learn about resources that address safety, health, and public services. There will be free Narcan kits and training, immigration resources, and representatives from the Autism/IDD unit.