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June is a month of celebration for many communities and causes in Montgomery County. I had the opportunity to participate in several events celebrating the fight for freedom and liberation with Black, Caribbean American, and LGBTQIA+ communities. These events were hosted by public officials, partners, and community leaders. While I celebrated our progress as a country and community, I also remained mindful of the challenges some still face and the abundance of resources and opportunities in our communities. These experiences have inspired me as I plan the Community Conversations series, which I will host starting in July.
 I am excited to host a series of Community Conversations throughout July leading up to National Night Out on August 6. These conversations aim to address the intersectional issues of public safety, economic development, and public health, focusing on the needs of our youth. The conversations, hosted in collaboration with the County’s five Regional Service Centers, will bring together local business owners, county and public safety officials, nonprofit partners, residents, and other stakeholders from across the county. To create safer and more vibrant communities for our youth, we must bring communities together to collaborate on solutions that center on justice and equity. These events will be held at:
- East County Regional Services Center, Monday, July 8th, 6-8 p.m.
- Upcounty Regional Services Center, Tuesday, July 9th, 6-8 p.m.
- Wheaton Library & Recreation Center, Wednesday, July 17th, 6-8 p.m.
- Silver Spring Regional Services Center, Wednesday, July 24th, 6-8 p.m.
- Bethesda Chevy-Chase Regional Services Center, Thursday, July 25th, 6-8 p.m.
Please RSVP for your local Community Conversation at bit.ly/MOCOCC2024.
If you have questions or want to host a resource table at the event, please email my office at Councilmember.Sayles@montgomerycountymd.gov. I look forward to seeing you there!
Celebrating Juneteenth Across the County
Photos from Juneteenth events around the county
On Juneteenth, we commemorate the end of slavery in the United States while honoring the legacy of those who were formerly enslaved and endured centuries of pain and discrimination. I was honored to join in celebrations hosted across the county leading up to and during Juneteenth. I want to congratulate Ike and Catherine Leggett for receiving the Community Hero award at the Juneteenth and African American Living Legend Awards hosted at BlackRock Center for the Arts. I am also profoundly grateful to the Gasaway Sisters and the Scotland Community for organizing an incredible series of uplifting events as part of the Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival celebrating our county’s kinship communities. Finally, I want to thank Bethesda Big Train and the many other community partners for organizing events to commemorate Freedom Day across the county. As the first Black woman elected to a countywide position, I am dedicated to ensuring the sacrifices of our ancestors are never forgotten.
I was pleased with Governor Wes Moore’s historic decision to grant pardons for over 175,000 nonviolent cannabis-related convictions in the State of Maryland. Following the legalization of recreational marijuana, this executive order ensures those with misdemeanor convictions for possession of cannabis are no longer unfairly punished for outdated laws. This is a crucial step towards correcting the harms caused by the war on drugs, which has unfairly targeted our Black and Brown residents. I thank and congratulate the Governor on this bold but necessary action! I look forward to working with the Governor and State legislators as we continue this ongoing reconciliation and restorative justice process.
Raising the Pride Flag Outside the Executive Office Building and Council Pride Commemoration
This month, I participated in initiatives the County Executive and Council led to celebrate Pride Month and demonstrate our support for the local LGTBQIA+ community. We raised the “Progress Flag” and marked Pride Month with a proclamation. While progress is happening, some residents still experience hate crimes. The State of Maryland has launched a new online portal for reporting hate crimes at nohomeforhate.md.gov. I am committed to making Montgomery County a more inclusive and welcoming place for all.
Caribbean American Heritage Month Proclamation with All Honorees
It is an honor to represent all Montgomery County residents on the Council while recognizing my Jamaican heritage and Caribbean American community. On June 11th, I led the Council in proclaiming June as Caribbean American Heritage Month, recognizing our Caribbean American residents' and businesses' rich contributions and achievements. I am so grateful to the Caribbean Advisory Group and the Office of Community Partnerships for all their work helping Caribbean Americans feel welcome in our county. I also want to thank Island Pride Oasis for providing an authentic and delicious Jamaican breakfast to all who attended the proclamation.
S.M.A.R.T. Updates Around The County
Supporting Our Schools and Celebrating Jennifer Martin’s Retirement
I proudly stood shoulder to shoulder with parents, teachers, and advocates at the Montgomery County Education Association rally against increased class sizes, teacher layoffs, and the closing of the Montgomery Virtual Academy. I supported $3.3 billion in operating funding for Montgomery County Public Schools, a 5% increase over last year. Despite financial challenges, I worked to fund 99.2% of the Board of Education's request despite losing millions of dollars in Federal funding and high inflation this year. We must do better to address the issues affecting our students and call upon our State and Federal representatives to prioritize investing in education here at home. I am so grateful to MCEA, our other unions representing MCPS staff, and our Parent-Teacher Associations for their tireless advocacy. I also congratulate MCEA President Jennifer Martin on her retirement and thank her for her many years of dedicated service to our hardworking teachers.
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Joining Montgomery County Education Association's rally for school funding
Updating Montgomery County’s “Ban the Box” Legislation
Last Tuesday, my Bill 8-24 had its public hearing before the Council and received supportive testimony from individuals and community organizations. Bill 8-24 strengthens the County’s Ban-the-Box ordinance, preventing unfair discrimination against people with criminal histories in housing applications. Such discrimination disproportionately harms people of color who continue to face painful disparities in policing and the criminal justice system. My bill, co-sponsored by Councilmembers Evan Glass and Sidney Katz, fosters inclusive communities, supports reintegration, reduces racial disparities, and promotes economic stability. My bill will:
- Require housing providers to post a notice on the law to ensure applicants know their rights against improper criminal history screening.
- Housing providers must demonstrate compliance with the law by mandating that they report completed addendum information in their annual reports to the county.
- Requiring housing providers to report to the county disaggregated data on the number of and reasons for denied applications would improve the County’s understanding of the barriers faced by people with criminal histories in the housing market.
These measures will help ensure landlords comply with the county’s Ban-the-Box ordinance and better inform local policymakers about the prevalence of this discrimination across our county.
In-person testimony delivered before the Council in support of Bill 8-24
Announcing the County’s New PACE Program for Seniors
As a member of the Health and Human Services Committee, I am committed to improving independence for our county’s seniors by expanding the supportive, accessible, and affordable services available to our elderly residents. I was pleased to see the announcement from the Department of Health and Human Services of the launch of their Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in Montgomery County this fall. PACE is a comprehensive initiative aimed at helping elderly individuals remain independent in their communities for as long as possible. In partnership with Trinity Health, the program will offer various services, including medical care, physical therapy, nutrition counseling, social services, and home care. This program will address the overall needs of seniors, ensuring they receive coordinated and personalized care tailored to their specific health and lifestyle requirements. Learn more here at https://health.maryland.gov/mmcp/waiverprograms/Pages/PACE.aspx.
June is National Homeownership Month
In honor of National Homeownership Month, I want to share some resources Montgomery County and its nonprofit partners offer to local renters looking to become first-time home buyers. The Housing Opportunities Commission provides resources such as the Mortgage Purchase Program, Closing Cost Assistance, and other services, which can be found here. The Maryland Mortgage Program offers down payment and closing cost assistance loans to help eligible homebuyers purchase in Montgomery County. Find out if you’re eligible by clicking here. Furthermore, County private and nonprofit partners assist residents seeking housing and homeownership. For more information about these resources, call 311 Or visit their website: https://montgomerycountymd.gov/mc311/
Sugarloaf Citizens Association 50th Anniversary
I had a wonderful time celebrating the Sugarloaf Citizens Association’s 50th Anniversary. I am grateful for their decades of tireless advocacy and partnership in protecting our Ag Reserve. I engaged in many informative conversations with residents about legislation before the Council, which would allow overnight stays and the creation of campgrounds in the Ag Reserve. ZTA 24-02 will encourage agritourism and provide a new revenue stream for interested local farmers. After these extensive conversations with community residents, I co-sponsored the ZTA, which will allow reasonable levels of development while maintaining the Ag Reserve’s pristine environment for all to enjoy.
Meeting with constituents and delivering a proclamation at Sugarloaf Citizen Association's 50th Anniversary Celebration
Great Seneca Science Master Plan Tour and Microgrid Transit Depot Groundbreaking
Transit is a significant source of carbon emissions in the County, and improving transportation infrastructure is crucial for addressing climate change. This month, I toured the Great Seneca Master Plan, which aims to revitalize the Life Sciences Center and create a community with access to jobs, housing, and services within 15 minutes of reliable transportation. I also participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the County's Equipment Maintenance and Transit Operation Center (EMTOC), which will support over 200 zero-emission buses and feature on-site green hydrogen production. These events excited me about our County's greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future.
Equipment Maintenance and Transit Operation Center groundbreaking and Great Seneca Plan tour
Councilmember Sayles in the Community
I attended the Kemp Mill Civic Association’s Community Day on June 2nd and am grateful to the association for organizing such a fun event in their community! I also attended the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington’s Interfaith Bridge Builders Ceremony. I was proud to recognize the honorees doing critical work bringing together Montgomery County’s religiously diverse community. Finally, I had a great time at the Kentlands Under the Lights Annual Community Event on June 22nd. Thank you to the Kentlands Community Foundation for inviting me and bringing together so much local talent!
Photos from Kemp Mill Civic Association’s Community Day
Mu Nu Domestic Violence Awareness Symposium
I thank the Mu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. for inviting me to speak at their Domestic Violence Awareness Symposium and organizing such an impactful event. As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, it brings me great pride to be able to support my Divine Nine family in advocating for safe and healthy relationships, especially in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling upholding the law to prevent those charged with domestic violence from owning a gun.
Upcoming Events
June 29: Fire and Rescue On-Site Application Event in Gaithersburg
The on-site event will provide information about becoming a Firefighter or rescuer and give an overview of the hiring process. It will also demonstrate the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service representatives will be present to answer questions and help with filling out applications.
June 30: Silver Spring Pride in the Plaza Festival
Montgomery County will host the fourth annual “Pride in the Plaza” event from noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, at Veterans Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring. The County is partnering with Live in Your Truth Programs and the MoCo Pride Center to host the free event and is seeking sponsors, volunteers, and exhibitors.
July 4: Takoma Park Parade
I am excited to participate in Takoma Park's 4th of July Parade. Come see me and many other unique and creative local groups, who will join from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM under the theme of “Harmony in Takoma Park.” Please sign up here to march with us!
July 4: Montgomery Village July 4th Celebration/5K Race
Celebrate Independence Day in your community with various activities for the whole family to enjoy! Montgomery Village hosts a 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run each year on the Sunday closest to July 4 and a Parade and Family Festivities on July 4. Activities are scheduled so you can enjoy the pools in the afternoon and get to that afternoon/evening barbeque with friends and neighbors.
July 4: Germantown Glory Independence Day Celebration
Fireworks are more than just a beautiful celebration of our country’s independence; they are a chance for our community to unite and celebrate our differences. The event will be held at South Germantown Recreational Park. Lawn chairs and coolers are welcome. Food vendors will be present for the event. Alcoholic beverages and pets are not allowed.
July 6: Mid-County Sparkles Independence Day Celebration
Mid-County Sparkles this year will be hosted at Albert Einstein High School at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 6. The event will feature concerts by Joe Falero and Downtown Sound. Lawn chairs and coolers are welcome. Food vendors will also be present. Alcoholic beverages and pets are not permitted. Free parking and shuttle service will be provided starting at 5:30 p.m. from Westfield Wheaton.
July 6: Shakespeare in the Parks: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
This summer, the M-NCPPC Arts and Cultural Heritage Division is thrilled to present “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” directed by newly appointed Artistic Director Randy Snight. Love is in the air but tangled in a romantic web involving four young Athenians. Venture into the mystical woods where fairies stir up a potion that turns the lovers’ world upside down.
July 8: East County Community Conversation
Hosted 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center on 3300 Briggs Chaney Road in Silver Spring
July 9: Upcounty Community Conversation
Hosted 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Upcounty Regional Services Center on 12900 Middlebrook Road in Germantown
July 17: Mid-County Community Conversation
Hosted 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Wheaton Recreation Center on 11701 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring.
July 24: Silver Spring Community Conversation
Hosted 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza on 1 Veterans Place in Silver Spring.
July 26: Bethesda Chevy-Chase Community Conversation
Hosted 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Bethesda Chevy-Chase Regional Services Center on 4805 Edgemoor Ln in Bethesda.
Community Resource Hub
- June 27th is National HIV Testing Day. Montgomery County offers free and confidential testing in Silver Spring and Germantown
- Summer Meals Schedule and Locations for 2024
- Pick Up Free School Supplies at Annual Drive for Supplies - Students Can Earn SSL Hours July 15 - 19
- Free Online Resources for Practice, Prep, and Review Available this Summer
- Arts Organizations in Montgomery County’s Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District Offering Summer Camps and Programming with Space Still Available
- Department of Permitting Services Launches ‘eSolar’ to Streamline the Permitting Process for Installing Residential Rooftop Solar
- Free Muddy Branch Alliance Photography Workshop on July 29 with award-winning wildlife photographer Ben Salb
- Montgomery County Public Libraries Connects Children with Older Adults Through Its ‘Read Across Generations’ Practice Reading Aloud Program, July 8 through Aug. 10
- Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center Reopens for Adoptions
- Montgomery County Council Confirms Assistant Chief Marc Yamada as Next Police Chief
- Rockville Town Square Summer Concert Series Will Feature Free Events Most Fridays, with Blues of ‘Moonshine Society’ Featured on June 28
- Community Engagement Group Meets July 6th - learn how to obtain free health education, nutrition assistance, wellness services, employment training, resume help, interview help, and more at Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library in Silver Spring
- Community Narcan Training at Connie Morella Library in Bethesda July 13th
Yours in Service,
Laurie-Anne Sayles
Councilmember At-Large
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