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I was proud to join Vice President Kate Stewart and my colleagues to unanimously pass a resolution reaffirming Montgomery County’s commitment to protect reproductive rights. The resolution, led by Vice President Stewart and cosponsored by the full Council, will solidify Montgomery County's stance as a defender of reproductive freedom, safeguarding rights and resources amid a changing national landscape.
We were joined by Executive Director of the Maryland Commission for Women Ariana Kelly, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Chief of Public Health Dr. Nina Ashford, state and local officials, health professionals and reproductive rights advocates who shared their support for the initiative.
Make your voices heard: Attainable Housing Strategies listening sessions continue
We are continuing to host listening sessions across Montgomery County throughout the month to gather community input on the Attainable Housing Strategies initiative. We heard from a variety of voices at last week's well attended meetings in Silver Spring and Wheaton. If you couldn’t make it, we want to hear from you at one of the remaining listening sessions:
- Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the White Oak Community Recreation Center
- Monday, Sept. 23, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Germantown Community Center
- Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 7 to 9 p.m. | NEW LOCATION & REGISTRATION REOPENED: Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (4301 East-West Highway, Bethesda, MD – Multi-purpose room/cafeteria)
- Wednesday, Oct. 2, virtual on Zoom from 12-1:30 p.m.
Sign Up to Attend a Listening Session.
Montgomery County launches Pink and Lime bus routes
Last week we celebrated the launch of the Pink and Lime Ride On extRa bus lines on the Great Seneca Transit Network with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation and County and state leaders. The two new lines offer high-frequency service between the Shady Grove Metro Station and the Great Seneca Life Sciences Center and the Universities at Shady Grove, with service every 10-15 minutes during peak hours of weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends.
The new lines demonstrate our ongoing commitment to connecting people and places with safe, seamless, reliable transportation options that’s safe, accessible and sustainable and supports economic vibrancy and opportunity. Like all Ride On bus service, it’s $1 to ride and free for students and seniors!
African Heritage Month
Did you know Montgomery County is the first county in the nation to proclaim the month of September as African Heritage Month? The Council proudly celebrates African Heritage Month and we are thrilled to be hosting our fourth annual African Heritage Month commemoration during today’s Council session. With the African population accounting for over 16% of the overall immigrant population in our community, we are proud that so many in the African community have chosen to make Montgomery County their home. This month, and throughout the year, we appreciate and honor the rich cultures within the African diaspora.
Hispanic Heritage Month
I want to wish everyone a happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Latino and Hispanic residents have made an incredible impact on the cultural, economic and social fabric of our community and across the U.S. The Council will be commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month on Oct. 1 and the theme of this year’s commemoration is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together”. I encourage everyone to join us or tune in for the special celebration.
Ethiopian Day
I had a great time celebrating in Silver Spring with friends and community members for Ethiopian Day! The celebration was a fantastic display of Ethiopian art, music, dance, food and culture. Outside of Ethiopia, you won’t find a stronger, more dynamic Ethiopian community anywhere in the world than right here in Montgomery County. Thanks to our vibrant Ethiopian American community for calling our County home and for your innumerable civic, economic and cultural contributions to Montgomery County.
International Overdose Awareness Day
I was grateful to join Montgomery Goes Purple and local leaders for International Overdose Awareness Day and the launch of National Recovery Month. International Overdose Awareness Day is dedicated to remembering those we have lost to an overdose, acknowledging the grief and suffering of families and loved ones, and renewing our commitment to end overdose.
September is recognized as National Recovery Month, a time dedicated to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, uplift our recovery community and thank the health care and service providers who make recovery possible. Too often, substance use and mental health disorders are experienced alone. Solving it will take all of us working together to end the stigma and ensure access to resources.
Back to School Tour
School is officially back in full swing! I had the pleasure of joining Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor and Board of Education member Julie Yang to visit several schools in District 1 (including my alma mater, Churchill High School, along with Whitman, Cabin John Middle School, and Carderock Elementary). In my conversations with Superintendent Taylor, he highlighted a lot of the work that has been done by the school system this summer, as well as changes that are being implemented to ensure student safety in and out of the classroom. Our children’s safety is paramount, and we are committed to doing everything we can to make sure the school system has what it needs to keep our students and staff safe.
Wishing all of our Montgomery County students, staff and families a great school year!
Constituent Services
I encourage residents to continue to engage with my office on issues of importance to our community. We appreciate your patience and understanding as our small but mighty team works to respond to your inquiries. Please continue to engage with us by email, visiting our website, Facebook, and Twitter pages, and subscribing to our newsletter.
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