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Thursday, June 11, 2024

The Power of Community

It was a pleasure to join the Greater Olney Civic Association this week with my Council At-Large colleagues Evan Glass and Will Jawando. GOCA's members continue to be awesome advocates and supporters of our community, and our in-depth discussion on Tuesday included public safety needs, the housing affordability challenge, and more.  This year, I've met with and heard from civic groups in Shady Grove, Sandy Spring, Damascus, Montgomery Village, and Flower Hill - as well as numerous other community organizations around District 7. These are important conversations and it's the communication that happens here that guides me in our work at the Council. Please reach out if your group would like to meet!

How to Help After Shelter Fire

An electrical fire at the Interfaith Works women's shelter on Crabbs Branch Way fortunately didn't cause any injuries, but led to extensive building damage that has displaced 34 people and 16 staff members. If you'd like to learn more and support the shelter residents, here's how you can help.

Summer Events

Join the Street Outreach Network today at the Upper County Community Center and July 19 at Cider Mill for a fun-filled Summer of Peace event. Both events are from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Details below!

Montgomery County is lucky to have four collegiate summer teams in the Cal Ripken Sr. League, including the Cropdusters at the Olney Boys and Girls Club!

I had the honor of singing the national anthem at a recent game. Check out one of the team's three remaining home games.

Click the image to watch the story on the Olney Cropdusters

Resources for Seniors and Caregivers

As a member of the Council’s Health and Human Services Committee, I'm committed to improving the health and wellbeing of vulnerable populations, including seniors. Here are a few great upcoming opportunities: 

• This fall, the Maryland Department of Health is launching a comprehensive initiative aimed at helping elderly individuals remain independent in their communities for as long as possible. Called “Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)”, the program will offer medical care, physical therapy, nutrition counseling, social services, and home care. Check this page for updates on the status of PACE expansion activities in Maryland. 
• Calling all caregivers! July 10, 17, 24, and 31 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Silver Spring Holiday Park Senior Center, there will be a free wellness series covering topics such as juggling caregiving responsibilities, managing stress, building resilience, coping with grief, and planning for the future. Participants will receive a gift each session. For more information, call 240-777-4925 or Rec.Seniors@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov. To request accommodations, contact 240-777-6840 or Rec.Inclusion@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov.
• The Silver Spring Holiday Park Senior Center will also host “Driving and Beyond”, a conversation about important issues to consider while planning your mobility and approaching loved ones about theirs. Topics will include assessing driver skills, adjusting driving habits, and experimenting with alternative transportation. This event will take place July 30 at 1 p.m. Call 240-777-4999 for more information. 

Compost!

Recently I had the pleasure of touring the organics composting facility in Prince George’s County. Every week, the county collects food scraps and yard trim from residents’ curbs and brings them to this site to be turned into beautiful compost.

Thank you to our neighbors in Prince George’s for showing us around the site and look forward to more updates soon about Montgomery County's progress on increasing food waste composting.

Our capital budget now includes funding to develop an organics processing facility of our own.

Councilmember Luedtke tours the Prince George's County Organics Composting Facility.

In the Community...

Councilmember Luedtke participates in the Montgomery Village July 4th parade.

It was wonderful to see many of you at the Montgomery Village July 4th parade. Thank you Montgomery Village Foundation and volunteers for putting on a great event and Butler's Orchard for letting me ride along!

I’ll be at the Celebrate Damascus Parade this Friday - come say hello! 

Council Website Redesign 

Have you recently visited the Montgomery County Council’s website? Please consider taking a brief survey to give us feedback on your experience navigating the Council’s website. We continue to strive to improve user experience and make resources easily accessible. 

MCPS GIVE BACKpacks Campaign

Participate in the 13th annual MCPS GIVE BACKpacks Campaign! This campaign raises money to purchase backpacks filled with supplies, such as paper, pens, pencils, folders, and other critical items. During the 2023-2024 campaign, the district assisted more than 10,000 students. Donate today! 

Free Meals for Students 

MCPS is offering free hot meals for students this summer. No appointment is necessary, but food must be consumed on site. A full list of meal centers can be viewed here. 

Libraries Launch New Digital Cards 

Montgomery County Public Libraries now offers an online application for obtaining full-service digital library cards. This new system is a convenient and efficient way to access MCPL’s extensive collection of digital resources, including e-books, audiobooks, databases, and online programs. If you don’t yet have a library card, visit the MCPL website to apply now.  

Donate Blood, Save Lives 

Montgomery College is hosting American Red Cross blood drives this summer at the Bioscience Education Center on the Germantown Campus. Schedule an appointment online for the drives on July 31, September 3, or September 4. Learn more about the importance of blood donation.

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