Remembering a Hero
Montgomery County mourns the tragic passing of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service Master Firefighter Christopher Higgins, who lost his life protecting others in the line of duty. Master Firefighter Higgins was a true hero and devoted more than 23 years of his life to serving and safeguarding our community with compassion and care. We will keep Master Firefighter Higgins and his commitment to helping others in our thoughts, and we know those who served with him will continue his legacy. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
Muslim American Heritage Month
Last week the Council was joined by members of the Muslim American community for a commemoration recognizing Muslim American Heritage Month. According to the United Maryland Muslim Council, approximately 350,000 Muslim Americans from 60 different countries call Maryland home, and approximately three percent of Montgomery County residents are Muslim American. This special commemoration gave us an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultures within the Muslim community and honor the far-reaching contributions Muslim Americans have made locally and globally.
Korean American Day
I was proud to join County Executive Marc Elrich in honoring Korean American Day, which commemorates the arrival of Korean immigrants to the U.S. through Hawaii in 1903 and honors the vast contributions of the Korean American community. We were joined by Chief Judge Chung K. Pak and many of our state’s prominent Korean American and Asian American leaders.
$24.8 Million Grant to Fund North Bethesda Metro Improvements
Good news: Montgomery County has been selected for a federal RAISE grant – Rebuilding America Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity – of over $24.8 million to advance work on a second entrance to the North Bethesda Metro station and surrounding improvements.
This grant money will assist the County in accelerating life sciences in North Bethesda and transform the North Bethesda Metro station area into a multimodal transportation hub with walkable amenities.
Honoring the Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I spent this past weekend at events across the County honoring the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., including Craft for a Cause with Only Make Believe at the Coffield Community Center and the annual MLK Day of Service in North Bethesda and MLK Day Tribute at Strathmore.
I also attended the 48th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast, hosted by the Iota Upsilon Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., which raises funds for scholarships awarded to deserving Montgomery County college bound students. It was inspiring to be joined by so many residents and community leaders continuing Dr. King’s work of creating a more just future for us all.
 Shaping the Future of Senior Care
As the 2025 Maryland General Assembly legislative session kicks off, I was excited to join the Grass Roots Organization for the Well-being of Seniors (GROWS) to discuss key issues impacting seniors and the evolving landscape of senior well-being and home care. I’m grateful to GROWS for their advocacy work supporting older adults and their families, and for creating a supportive network for our aging population. As the fastest growing segment of our population, it’s important we work together with community partners to drive meaningful change for seniors in our community.
 Remembering Commissioner Terence Hill
I was grateful to join the family and loved ones of the late Terence Hill for a touching memorial service. Mr. Hill was a dedicated commissioner for the Interagency Commission on Homelessness. He had a compassionate and generous approach to his anti-poverty advocacy and continually poured into his community. He will be remembered for his positivity, integrity, and for always helping those in need.
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