 County Executive Marc Elrich this week encourages residents to check in on neighbors, especially older adults, and take precautions to stay safe in the extreme heat that is overwhelming the Washington Region. He also discusses actions the County has been taking to address organized large house parties that could disturb neighborhoods and might be breaking laws. He talks of the significance of “Plastic Free July” and highlights additional plastic items now be accepted by the County for recycling. And County Executive praises the actions of employees and volunteers who helped women living in a shelter that caught on fire on July 4.
Stories in this issue include:
 The sunflower fields in the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area on River Road near Poolesville, which are among Montgomery County’s natural gems, are nearing full bloom and ready for residents who want to wander through a spectacular experience.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Andrew Friedson will join District 2 Police Commander Amy Daum and Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Director Peter Fosselman at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, for a town hall meeting about the upcoming implementation of the County’s “Drone as a First Responder Program” in Bethesda.
 The annual “Celebrate Damascus” festivities on Friday, July 12, and Saturday, July 13, will include a cruise-in car show, parade and fireworks. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Summer Fun.”
 Free outdoor music at Montgomery County’s finest performing arts venue will be available on Wednesday and Thursday nights through August on the grounds of Strathmore in North Bethesda. Wednesday night events are family friendly and Thursday events feature “Cool Concerts for Kids.”
 The start of summer brought higher temperatures throughout the Washington Region. Also increasing starting June 30 were Metro rail and bus fares.
 The Bethesda Urban Partnership and Montgomery Parks are teaming up to welcome dog owners and their pets on select Thursday nights. The events at Elm Street Park in Bethesda will feature music and food and drinks for purchase. The next Yappy Hour will be from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, featuring the music of Andrew O’Day.
 Montgomery County’s Asian American Health Initiative, a program of the County’s Department of Health and Human Services, is now accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2025 Healthy Communities Fund grant program. The grant program offers $1.5 million in funding to support Asian American and Pacific Islander organizations in providing linguistically and culturally responsive services to the County’s diverse community.
 Plastics are used to make a wide range of products, including appliances, furniture and clothing, but packaging is the largest market for plastics and the largest source of plastic waste. Most of the plastic used is then discarded. There is a national effort to recognize this month as “Plastic Free July” and the County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging residents to join the movement.
 Metro has adjusted its shuttle bus service to improve travel times and reduce bus congestion at the Silver Spring Transit Center (SSTC). Due to Purple Line construction, work continues at the SSTC through Saturday, Aug. 31. Metro Red Line stations at Glenmont, Wheaton, Forest Glen, and Silver Spring are closed during the construction.
 Concerts in parks, puppets and West Africa Food Crops in the garden are among the program highlights for the Montgomery Parks special events and programs being offered in July.
 Sunset Tuesdays in Silver Spring from 7-9 p.m. on July 16 will feature the free “Afro-Latin Dance Party” on Veterans Plaza. The event will feature the sounds of Bachata, Salsa, Merengue, Kizomba and more.
 Free summer concerts will be happening in Rockville Town Square from 6-9 p.m. most Friday nights through Sept. 20. The series will feature a variety of performers. The next performance will feature the Natty Beaux Swing Band on July 19.
 The Zydeco-influenced sound of Little Red and the Renegades will highlight the “Thursday Evenings in Olde Towne Gaithersburg” summer concert series at 6:30 p.m. on July 18. The free, family-friendly series will energize the City Hall Concert Pavilion on Thursdays throughout July and into early August.
 The family music of Munit and Z Lovebugs will be featured at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 17, as part of the free Gaithersburg Children’s Summer Concert Series at the City Hall Concert Pavilion in Gaithersburg. All concerts will be on Wednesdays, a new day for the annual series.
Recreation Celebrates ‘Where You Belong’ During National Park and Recreation Month
July is recognized as National Park and Recreation Month and Montgomery County Recreation is joining the celebration by highlighting the ways its programs and facilities can enhance the quality of life for all ages, cultures and abilities.
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 The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) has launched a newly redesigned website—thinkmoco.com—with improved overall functionality that allows for an enhanced user experience. The revamped website is a key component of MCEDC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its brand, increase user engagement and boost its digital presence to better serve business clients, partners and stakeholders. The new website includes 12 interactive dashboards.
Montgomery County residents with combined household incomes of $64,000 or less can now schedule free virtual and in-person tax appointments with the Community Action Agency's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for prior years, amended and current year (2023) returns. VITA services are available by appointment through Thursday, Oct. 24.
Have you ever wondered what happens after you fall asleep? Or how your body knows when it is time to sleep? The Rockville Science Center may have some answers when it hosts the “Our Brains During Sleep” interactive workshop from 11 a.m.-noon. on Sunday, July 21. The workshop is recommended for ages 10-adult.
Artists of all abilities from every visual medium are being invited by Silver Spring Town Center, Inc. to share their work inspired by the summertime from 7-8:30 p.m. on Monday, July 22, in the online event “Refresh with Cool Summer Art: A Virtual Community Art Show.”
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