 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich this week talks about how the combined efforts of police agencies and Montgomery County Public Schools, acting on a tip, thwarted a potential threat to a County high school. He also provides an update on actions that could lead to the future reopening of White’s Ferry that previously connected Poolesville to Leesburg in Loudoun County, Va. And he discusses the County’s 11th Energy Summit and the status of legal cannabis operations throughout Maryland and in the County.
Stories in this issue include:
The D.C. Area Interfaith Gun Violence Prevention Network (Interfaith GVP Network), in partnership with the Montgomery County Sheriff and the Office of the State’s Attorney, will host a gun buyback event from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, April 20 in the parking lot of the United Church of Christ of Seneca Valley in Germantown. Community members will be able anonymously and voluntarily turn in their firearms and receive a food store gift card in return.
The 33rd Annual Rockville Science Day on Sunday, April 21, will continue its tradition of mixing the forefront of scientific advancements and historical looks on scientific developments. The free event, from noon-5 p.m. at the Rockville campus of Montgomery College, will include demonstrations and the ability to talk with experts in fields including rockets, robotics, astronomy and electric vehicles.
 The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration will hold seven Purple Line Community Advisory Team (CAT) meetings in May. The virtual meetings will be targeted for specific neighborhoods and will include member-driven teams of representatives appointed by neighborhoods, community residents, civic and business associations and local governments.
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will celebrate April as “Earth Month” with activities and events aimed at taking action and fostering environmental awareness and stewardship across our community.
Archaeology tours, a plant sale at Brookside Gardens and Sunday serenades are among the many special events that will be presented by Montgomery Parks in April. The schedule of programs also will include tours at Kingsley Schoolhouse and Oakley Cabin and several offerings for people ages 55-and-over.
Tractors of all types, antique cars and trucks, live animals, pony rides and hay wagon rides will be among the many activities on Saturday and Sunday, April 27-28, when the annual free Gas and Steam Engine Show returns to the Montgomery County Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood.
Volunteers with the Montgomery County Commission on Aging’s (COA) Ambassador Program will host several presentations in April and May to share information on the various resources available for older adults.
Residents 18-and-older interested in electric scooter lessons will have the opportunity to attend any of four free clinics being held in April, May and June sponsored by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation.
The Third Annual “Rockville Skate Jam” on Saturday, April 20, at the new Rockville Skate Park will include a day of activities for many members of the family. The fun activities will include morning yoga, skateboard competitions and skateboard demonstrations. The event is free.
The Montgomery County Board of Elections has established 58 ballot drop boxes for voters to submit completed mail-in ballots for the 2024 Presidential primary election. The ballot drop boxes will remain open until 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, May 14.
 The Washington Aqueduct, carrying drinking water to the nation’s capital, but running mostly through Montgomery County from Great Falls, was a technological marvel when completed 160 years ago in 1864. After all that time of continuous service, it is currently undergoing a major rehabilitation. That miraculous project will be the subject of a free, online presentation from Montgomery History at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23.
 “Make A Difference,” the County Cable Montgomery show about how volunteers can have a positive impact on programs and other residents in Montgomery County, in its newest episode explores how volunteers can help the 2024 elections operate smoothly. The show can now be viewed on cable or online via the County's YouTube channel.
A Family Puzzle Palooza, a celebration of a full moon on a Friday and butterfly gardening for beginners are among the special events that Montgomery Parks will host to make April special in its nature centers.
Arab-American Heritage Month will be celebrated with a free, delicious online discussion of “Arab Culinary Traditions” starting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24. The panel will be hosted by music promoter Mary Knieser and will feature an array of community members invited to share their own family food memories.
 The Montgomery County Office of Procurement will host a “Vendor Connection Summit” from 9 a.m.-noon on Thursday, April 25, at the Silver Spring Civic Building. Any company or business that is interested in doing business with County Government is encouraged to attend—and they do not have to be companies located in the County. There is no fee to attend.
The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will hold in-person public meetings throughout April to seek resident input to prioritize the important health needs identified in the 2023 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). During these events, attendees will receive a brief presentation on the identified needs and then participate in a paper voting process to prioritize them.
 Montgomery Parks is gearing up to revitalize and strengthen safety along key park trails, courtesy of the United States Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program. Residents can learn more about the proposed improvements at an open house from 7-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center.
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