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This month, I was appointed to the DMVMoves task force to advance the work I started as chair of MWCOG to secure a future for our region’s transit. We discussed the current state of our transit system, and the menu of options available to keep it running and better serve residents in the short term and for years to come. I look forward to sharing more about my work on the task force to preserve and expand access to our transit system to keep our county and our region moving.
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Our office has been working with Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Earl Stoddard and agency partners to improve this vital public space in Downtown Silver Spring. Veterans Plaza has been an area where small groups and individuals have increasingly been using amplifiers at a volume that has made the use of the public space and adjacent outdoor spaces for restaurants very difficult. Recently, the county installed signs to notify people of the existing noise ordinance. Urban District “red shirts” will be handing out flyers to educate all visiting the plaza of the acceptable volumes based on the ordinance. This summer will be a period of assessment and there may be adjustments as we navigate the rules. It is also important to note that exempt from this ordinance are qualifying outdoor performing arts facilities, including scheduled permitted events in Veterans Plaza. We will continue to work on this issue and others with the County Executive’s office and County Departments to ensure Veterans Plaza and the surrounding area is a place where residents and visitors can enjoy our beautiful downtown Silver Spring and all it has to offer.
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I was honored to kick off the Juneteenth celebrations by recognizing Montgomery County's African American Living Legends at the BlackRock Center for the Arts. These remarkable individuals have paved the way for a more just community, and their stories inspire us all.
The festivities continued throughout the weekend. In Kensington, I enjoyed the observance at St. Paul Park, soaking up the sunshine, enjoying the music and reflecting on our history. It was especially inspiring to see support for Black-owned businesses and engagement with the faith community.
On Juneteenth itself, I had the pleasure of attending Takoma Park's first annual Juneteenth celebration. A huge thank you goes out to the Maple Avenue Community Association and everyone who came out to commemorate this momentous occasion. The celebration served not only as a joyful occasion, but also a reminder of the ongoing work for equality.
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The County Executive nominated and on June 18th the Council voted to confirm the nomination of Marc Yamada as Montgomery County’s new Police Chief. Yamada currently serves as the assistant chief of the Field Services Bureau, overseeing the Special Operations Division, SWAT, K9, SERT, Emergency Services, Unmanned Aerial Systems/Robotics, Traffic Operations Division, School Safety Section, Community Resource Bureau, Community Engagement Section, Crisis Response and Resources Section and the School Response Section. Over my time at the County Council, I have had the opportunity to work with Assistant Chief Yamada crafting policy and working on legislative items and I have found him to be collaborative and thoughtful. He will begin as Chief upon the retirement of Chief Marcus Jones at the end of June. I want to also share my thanks to Chief Jones for his 38 years of service to the community in the Montgomery County Police Department.
Constituent Services Field Office
Our office has fanned out across area markets and community events this month, from Farmland to Montgomery Hills to Garrett Park to Kensington, and we’re rounding out the month at the Pike Central Farm Market Saturday morning, and Pride in the Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring Sunday afternoon. We’ll be making even more stops in July and August–come out and see us in your community!
June 29: Pike Central Farm Market 9 AM-1:30 PM - North Bethesda
June 30: Pride in the Plaza 12 PM-5 PM - Downtown Silver Spring
Talbot Bridge Opening - The opening of the new Talbot Ave Bridge in Lyttonsville demonstrates that while progress can take time, the determination and vision of a few individuals can make our corner of the world better. Thank you Pat Tyson and the Coffield family, and N. Woodside neighbors. Lots of work is happening along the Purple Line this summer - if you missed it please take a look at our earlier newsletter or the project’s website. I’m looking forward to the Takoma metro station on the red line opening two days ahead of schedule this Friday as well!
Black Collective Graduation for AMBER Fellows - It was a pleasure, as always, to congratulate the Black Collective AMBER fellow graduates. The event was incredible, with so many motivated business owners ready to make a positive impact on Montgomery County.
Takoma Pride - TKPK Pride was quite an experience! I loved every moment of the vibrant energy at Takoma Park. I enjoyed it with loved ones and celebrated love in all its forms. Happy Pride to everyone all month long.
Civic Federation Annual Awards - Congratulations to the Seven Oaks Evanswood Civic Association (SOECA) and President Chris Reynolds on your well-deserved recognition for organizing and mobilizing residents of District 4! Kudos to other award winners Conservation Montgomery and Tree Friends United, who are doing crucial work to preserve and expand our tree canopy and remove invasive vines. Thank you to outgoing Civic Federation President Alan Bowser for serving the community.
MD LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce - Thoroughly enjoyed the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce and MD LGBTQ+ Chamber for a fun networking event at All Set restaurant in Silver Spring. It was such a great experience to connect with LGBTQ+ business owners.
Celebrating Renay Johnson - Wishing a very happy and well deserved retirement to Blair Principal Mrs. Johnson after 33 years with Montgomery County Public Schools, most notably as the first female principal at Montgomery Blair High School. As a Blair mom myself, I know personally the incredible impact she has had and will leave on our community!
Sunflower Bakery Celebration - I enjoyed attending the Sunflower Bakery pastry arts and hospitality graduation recognizing this community nonprofit in North Bethesda and those who have benefited from their programming. It was an excellent, inspiring, and quite delicious event. I even got to bring some sweet treats home!
Arts and Social Justice Fellowship Showcase at Strathmore - An afternoon of visual arts, spoken word, music, and more! Thank you to the Strathmore Arts & Social Justice Fellowship Showcase. It was great to see many incredible young people creating art and social change.
Garrett Park Farmer’s Market - My team always has a great time meeting constituents out in the community at farmers markets and this weekend was no different in Garrett Park. Always keep an eye out at your local farmer's market in District 4 to say hi!
There are still so many opportunities to help out at Pride in the Plaza this year! Click here to explore volunteer opportunities at this all-day festival on Sunday, June 30th. If you're not available to volunteer at the festival itself but still want to help out, check out some opportunities here to get involved in event preparation!
Pride in the Plaza has volunteer opportunities for people of all backgrounds and abilities, and volunteer coordinators will provide a virtual volunteer orientation/training to those who sign up. Questions? Contact Volunteer@liveinyourtruth.org.
Join us and #GiveUpPlastics with small changes you can make every day. Consider switching to a reusable bag - it's a simple change with a big impact.
Americans go through over 100 billion plastic bags annually—that's about 365 bags per person each year, or an average of 1 bag per day.
Let's take action together to reduce this staggering number by choosing reusable options and cutting down on single-use plastics.
Plastic Free July is not just a challenge; it’s an opportunity for positive change. Let’s inspire our community to make a difference! 🌿🌎
Join MCDEP and countless others in Montgomery County in making a difference this Plastic Free July.
Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier environment for all.
Learn more: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DEP/plastic-free.html
#PlasticFreeJuly #ReducePlastics
This summer, YMCA Silver Spring is thrilled to offer free swim lessons to the first 100 kids who register. This program is open to all children who have never taken a swim lesson or are afraid of water. It's a fantastic chance for kids in our community to learn a crucial life skill in a safe, supportive environment.
Here are upcoming events for a fun evening out in the Pike District!
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Office of Councilmember Kate Stewart
