 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich offers details on his recommended Fiscal Year 2025 operating budget that he sent to the County Council on March 14. His recommended budget provides record funding for affordable housing, climate change and economic development and does not include an increase in property taxes. He also talks about $900,000 in security grants the County has awarded to 136 nonprofit organizations who are at-risk of being targets of hate crimes. He reports about a successful visit to Montgomery County from Governor Wes Moore and his entire cabinet. With St. Patrick’s Day approaching on March 17, the County Executive reminds those who will be drinking not to drive. The County’s police agencies will have added enforcement on the roads over the weekend as they try to prevent collisions caused by impaired drivers.
Stories in this issue include:
 The City of Gaithersburg, in partnership with The Peterson Companies and rio, will host its 22nd St. Patrick's Day Parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 16. Dozens of units will march in the parade, including Celtic dancers and bagpipe bands.
 Montgomery County roads will have increased traffic enforcement in a combined effort of numerous police agencies on Friday-Sunday, March 15-17, to prevent problems caused by impaired drivers around St. Patrick’s Day Weekend. In addition, the County Department of Transportation is recommending ride options for those who will be drinking to help keep the roads safer.
 The Montgomery County Commission on Aging will host a presentation from 10-11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19, at the White Oak Senior/Community Recreation Center that will have information on many questions important to seniors and to others who are concerned about seniors.
 Only one person knows the secret ingredient to Wild Irish Rose Whiskey: Grandma Rose O'Riley McFadden. Her failing health brings together the two feuding sides of her family, the McFaddens and the O'Rileys, to celebrate her 80th birthday. The rest is for the audience to figure out in “Murder at the Kentlands Mansion,” which will be presented Friday, March 15, and Saturday, March 16.
The Rockville Civic Ballet will present three performances of the classic “Giselle,” a romantic tale of betrayal and forgiveness, over Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17, at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre in Rockville.
 The Seventh Annual “Women in the Arts Panel: Local Women Explore Creativity, Identity and Resilience” will feature women of many talents during an evening at the Silver Spring Civic Building. The event, which will hosted by author and filmmaker Erica Greenberg, will be from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, March 22, at the Silver Spring Civic Building.
 During the Civil War, women were not allowed to enlist in the army or the navy (though some did serve by hiding their identities). Yet millions of women provided various support services to the military in various ways. The story of these women will be explored in a presentation by Peerless Rockville, the City’s historic preservation organization, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, at the Red Brick Courthouse in Rockville.
Games, arts and crafts, sports, basketball, skateboarding and performing magic will be among the many programs that Montgomery County Recreation will be offering for spring break during the week of March 25-29. Enjoy a variety of fun activities, sports and games for youth and teens at various recreation centers across the County.
Spring break is around the corner, and Montgomery Parks has a variety of activities to keep kids active and learning during The special events will include Eye Spy Trains at Cabin John and Wheaton regional parks, skating, tennis, eco board games (teen edition) and history tours.
 Montgomery County Public Libraries will host animation workshops for children aged 10-15 during the week of March 25-29, coinciding with Montgomery County Public Schools’ spring break. Registration is required for each workshop.
BioTech and Life Sciences Business and Brad L. Stewart of Montgomery Economic Development Are Featured in Newest ‘What’s Happening MoCo’ Podcast
Montgomery County’s Economic Develop Corporation’s (MCEDC) Senior Vice President Brad L. Stewart joined the latest episode of the What’s Happening MoCo podcast, which is now available. The episode centers on biotech and life sciences business in the County.
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 The nature centers of Montgomery Parks will have a lion-sized calendar of special events throughout March, including wildflower hikes, leprechaun hunts and even wine on a raptor deck from your own hand-etched wine glass.
 The Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery Women will host a free virtual career guidance session for middle and high school female students, “A Virtual Career Exploration for Her,” from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21.
Spring is in the air, and many homeowners may be planning home improvements and renovations in the coming weeks and months.
The nomination period for the 2024 “Montgomery Serves Awards is now open. The awards are the County's highest honors for volunteerism and are awarded annually.
Department of Environmental Protection and Bethesda Green Relaunch Green Business Certification Program
Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has relaunched its Green Business Certification Program, a voluntary recognition program designed to encourage businesses and other organizations to take steps to reduce their environmental footprint.
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 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will be offering low-cost adult bike classes in April, May and June. The classes will include Learn to Ride and Basic Skills classes. MCDOT also will offer four free, walk-up electric scooter classes following select bike classes.
 Montgomery Parks has started its spring and summer hours for its “Open Parkways” program on Beach Drive and Sligo Creek Parkway.
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