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Thursday, May 2, 2024

Airpark Safety

Last week, a piece of an aircraft wing fell off a plane operating at the Montgomery County Airpark in Gaithersburg. Fortunately, there are no reported injuries. This is an important safety issue that impacts the community around the facility. I contacted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to urge them to investigate the incident and take needed corrective action. Learn more in my interview with NBC4.  

The Council passed legislation I introduced to establish the Airpark Community Advisory Committee so stakeholders have a forum to discuss issues just like this. The Airpark is an asset to our County, but only if it is safe. While the FAA is responsible for regulating general aviation, the Committee will provide a valuable opportunity for pilots, residents, and other stakeholders to come together around proposals for safety improvements and noise mitigation.

Councilmember Luedtke speaks with NBC4 about the incident at the Airpark.

Shaping the Future of Jeremiah Park

Thank you to all who attended the kick-off meeting to share your views on the future of Jeremiah Park and the MCPS Bus Depot in Shady Grove. The community made its voice heard: Residents who have long waited for transformational change in this area want adequate park space, neighborhood-serving retail, and safe walking and biking options. If you were unable to attend, take the survey to weigh in with your priorities. 

Thank you to the advocates who have worked to ensure the County upholds its commitments to Shady Grove and Derwood. We continue to push for additional funding for this project in the County's capital budget set to be approved in a few weeks. Visit the project website for more details.

Councilmember Luedtke speaks with community members at a meeting regarding the future of Jeremiah Park.

Understanding Local Government

Understanding and getting engaged in local government can be hard work. I am working to make both a little bit easier, while addressing some important community issues, through our “Local Gov 101” presentations to community groups.

Recently, I met with the Flower Hill and Park Terrace communities and County residents aspiring to be U.S. Citizens at CASA. If you are interested in scheduling a presentation for your neighborhood or organization, email us!

Councilmember Luedtke delivers Local Gov 101 presentations to community groups.

In The Community...

Councilmember Luedtke attends the 2024 Olney Days Parade.

Thank you to the Olney Civic Fund organizers and volunteers who coordinated a wonderful 2024 Olney Days Parade and a full weekend of events celebrating our community. It was wonderful to meet so many of you.

Top left: Councilmember Luedtke visits 61 Vineyard. Top right: Councilmember Luedtke attends Upcounty Community Resources' 5K. Bottom left: Councilmember Luedtke attends the ribbon cutting for the Hughes site at Montgomery College. Bottom right: Councilmember Luedtke judges baked goods for the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce's annual event.

Growing Educational and Economic Opportunities in Montgomery County

Hughes, a global leader in satellite broadband services, is continuing to invest in Montgomery County. I was thrilled to attend the ribbon cutting for its new manufacturing facility on Montgomery College’s Germantown campus. This site will provide training and educational opportunities for students including internships, mentoring, and shadowing. Learn more about this exciting project. 

Empowering Adults with Developmental and Intellectual Differences 

The Upcounty Community Resources 5K is one of my favorite events of the year! Check out the good work that UCR does every day to empower adults with developmental and intellectual differences.

Supporting Our Local Economy 

61 Vineyard in Damascus is a growing family-owned business with a commitment to agriculture. It was an honor to visit owners Mark and Pam Giganti with the County Executive and Visit Montgomery to celebrate their success and learn about the challenges they are facing and opportunities they see!

Celebrating Talented Residents

I had the pleasure of judging this year’s Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce bake-off! Congrats to the winners on baking some delicious treats.

Teen Mental Health 

Join EveryMind on May 16 for an interactive Zoom “Making Digital Media Work for Our Teen’s Mental Health: Learning to Thrive Both On and Offline,” moderated by Maryland State Delegate Jared Solomon. This event will provide actionable strategies for fostering digital wellness for our youth, explore how digital media can be a force for good in supporting mental health, and share practical steps parents and caregivers can take to bolster digital wellness at home. Register here. 

Resources for Older Residents 

Volunteers with the Montgomery County Commission on Aging’s Ambassador Program will host several presentations in April and May to share information on the various resources available for older adults. Learn more here. 

Gaithersburg Book Festival 

The 15th Gaithersburg Book Festival will take place May 18 at Bohrer Park. This event has become one of the region’s most prestigious book festivals by annually bringing more than 100 authors to Montgomery County to talk about their works, and offering free workshops to aspiring writers, poets, and illustrators. There will be free shuttles from the Shady Grove Metro Station and from the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg. Join the free, all-day celebration of books, writers, and literary excellence. 

Calling All Artists 

The organizers of “Pride in the Plaza,” Montgomery County’s annual festival celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community, are seeking creative t-shirt designs for the June 30 event at Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring. The designer of the winning entry will receive a $1,000 VISA gift card. Learn more and enter. 

Women’s Empowerment and Career Advancement 

The Montgomery County Commission for Women will offer five free career seminars this spring to help individuals strengthen their personal brand and place them on the path to finding a career. The sessions are geared to assist women but are open to all. 

Making the Switch to Renewable Energy 

The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection is promoting another round of the Capital Area Solar Switch program, a program dedicated to helping people switch to clean energy and save money on their electricity bills in an easy and transparent manner. Learn more and make the transition. 

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