Delta Sigma Theta Literacy Program Ribbon Cutting
I was thrilled to join the Montgomery County Alumnae Chapter (MCAC) of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc., for the launch of their new education initiative, the Literacy Book Reading Program. This literacy program, in collaboration with William Tyler Page Elementary School, will address reading proficiency gaps and disparities among students in the county and ensure they have the tools to succeed.
Joining the MCAC of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc. at William Tyler Page Elementary for the launch of their Literacy Book Reading Program
Encouraging students to develop a love of reading is a critical part of improving their literacy skills. With the MCAC DST Literacy Book Reading Program, students will work towards specific reading goals and earn tokens to select new books from a book vending machine as prizes! As an additional reward, students will have the opportunity to share what they read from their chosen books, strengthening their comprehension, communication, and engagement skills. Innovative strategies like this literacy program are the kinds of multifaceted approaches we need to improve our education system, and I am proud to work with collaborative organizations like the Black Physicians Healthcare Network (BPHN), which funded this initiative, and my sorority to enhance our students’ reading skills.
Celebrating Women and Girls in Sports Day
Who runs the world? Girls! I enjoyed meeting the Sligo Stallions Cheer Team!
Every year, during the first week of February, we commemorate Women and Girls in Sports Day across the nation. In honor of the occasion, Montgomery County Recreation hosted its Youth Development team’s County Cup Winter Futsal program. This celebration of teamwork, athleticism, and perseverance was a lively, fun-filled evening that included futsal matches, a social hall with video games and arts and crafts stations, cheer team performances, and a healthy cooking class!
ACT-SO 10th Annual Poetry Read In
Reading “And Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou at the ACT-SO 10th Annual Poetry Read-In
There is nothing quite like hearing the beauty of the spoken word. To commemorate Black History Month, the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, & Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO), a local cultural enrichment program, hosted its annual Poetry Read-In Day. The event showcased talented community members who inspired and moved the audience with their creativity. For 10 years, the Read-In has been a resounding celebration of the art of poetry and the perspectives of Black poets.
Bridges to a Brighter Future at Wootton High School
Speaking alongside fellow panelists with Wootton High School students about opportunities and pathways for their futures
Bright futures await the excellent MCPS students who are preparing for them! I was honored to join students at Wootton High School for a panel discussion on college and career readiness, finding our purpose, and cultivating the skills and qualities needed for success in the real world. Strengthening our education system is the “S” in my S.M.A.R.T. policy agenda. I am proud to collaborate with MCPS on initiatives like this to open doors for our students as they explore college, career, and postsecondary opportunities. Thank you to Wootton High School for creating the space to inspire and guide our students meaningfully toward their future path!
Honoring Black History Month With MCPS
Students at Wootton High School shared moving dialogue, emotive performances, and remarkable artwork for MCPS’s annual Black History Month program.
Black History Month celebrations were in full swing across MCPS! The Wootton High School Black Students Union sponsored the annual MCPS Black History Month program, “The Bridge Called Our Backs: A Story of Pain and Triumph." At the same time, the students of John F. Kennedy High School organized a Black Excellence Summit. Wootton's evening program featured moving and thought-provoking stories, music, dance, and more, filling the nights with vibrant experiences. At the same time, the summit at Kennedy was a heartwarming opportunity for me to directly connect with high school students and discuss my experiences with them. I am so proud to see our young Black students lead impactful efforts like this to bring our school communities together and create memorable experiences for students, MCPS staff, and residents that showcase Black America's history, present moment, and future.
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Answering students’ questions and discussing my experiences with them for the Black Excellence Summit at John F. Kennedy HS
Reading with MCPS Students
Reading with Ms. Connole’s second-grade class at Watkins Mill Elementary!
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to spend time this month reading with elementary school students! Parent-teacher associations and similar organizations that enhance involvement opportunities for parents of school-aged children are an integral part of improving literacy outcomes for our youngest residents. I was excited to join second-graders at Watkins Mill and kindergarteners and third-graders at Lakewood to read a variety of books to students. It is so essential for us to encourage students to improve their reading skills through compelling, developmentally appropriate, and challenging literature that expands young people’s perspectives and engages their creativity and imagination. Thank you to Watkins Mill Elementary and Lakewood Elementary for having me!
Reading with Ms. Kishore’s, Mrs. Edwards’s, and Ms. Meron’s kindergarteners and third-graders at Lakewood Elementary School!
Make Living in Montgomery County More Affordable
Grant Program Launch to Expand Affordable Internet Access
If you are a resident or business set far back from the road and facing costly internet service installation, Montgomery County recently launched a targeted grant program for residences and companies like yours! The Maryland Home Stretch – Difficult to Serve Properties Program, also known as the Long Driveway Internet Program, helps cover internet installation costs for these homes and businesses to ensure that all residents have access to affordable, high-speed internet. Please submit your applications by March 16, as we will award funding on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that current Comcast Xfinity or Verizon FiOS subscribers are not eligible to apply. For more information and to submit your application, click here.
Friendship Heights Winterfest
Meeting with the residents of the Village of Friendship Heights to enjoy live performances and celebrate winter.
The Friendship Heights Winterfest was a fun and festive annual celebration of the coldest, coziest season! I enjoyed warm refreshments and treats, along with phenomenal live performances of harp music and ballet. Thank you to the Village of Friendship Heights for organizing memorable events like this to bring our community members together every season year after year.
Action in Montgomery (AIM) Demonstrating Kitchen Tests for Nitrogen Dioxide
Trained residents from AIM demonstrate testing neighbors’ homes for NO2 indoor air pollution levels from gas stoves.
Action in Montgomery’s (AIM) tenant organizing team has been working on citizen training and kitchen testing programs to measure nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels throughout Montgomery County. They engage with residents to highlight the connection between indoor air pollution and health. Recently, the Sayles team joined AIM to demonstrate NO2 testing in homes and share findings from a study on the dangers of indoor air pollution.
The EPA considers NO2 levels above 150 parts per billion (ppb) unhealthy. Still, many residents are facing much higher levels, which can lead to respiratory issues, developmental problems in children, and increased absenteeism.
AIM noted that this testing not only helps build tenants' associations but also provides leverage to encourage landlords to seek funding for electrification. Addressing climate change and improving indoor air quality by moving away from natural gas is central to my S.M.A.R.T. agenda. I look forward to continuing my work with AIM to empower tenants in residential electrification efforts.
CARECEN Donor Appreciation Valentine’s Celebration
Elevating services for our immigrant community with CARECEN’s donors, volunteers, and staff
CARECEN recently hosted its Donor Appreciation Valentine’s Celebration to honor donors, advocates, and volunteers dedicated to the organization’s mission of empowering the immigrant community. During my conversations with various community members connected to CARECEN, we explored the behind-the-scenes efforts involved in supporting families at a time when anti-immigrant sentiment is becoming increasingly hostile and dangerous. As the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, I am committed to ensuring that immigrant families in Montgomery County have access to essential legal, housing, and citizenship services.
Advance Sustainable Local Food Production in the Ag Reserve
SNAP Outreach Breakfast
Convening with leading experts on our local food system to discuss SNAP outreach strategies
The SNAP Outreach Breakfast at the beginning of the month brought together community-based organizations and County government leaders for a discussion on recent challenges and successful strategies for SNAP outreach and enrollment efforts in Montgomery County. I had the opportunity to hear from grantees about best practices for their implementation of grant-funded programming and the impact of the federal administration transition on connecting eligible residents with benefits. A heartfelt thank you to our county agencies and community partners who play a critical role throughout the year in providing essential resources like nutritious food to all of our residents. We extend our sincere appreciation to the county agencies and community partners who collaborate with us year-round to ensure all residents have access to vital resources, including nutritious food.
8th Annual MoCo Food Producers' Forum
Engaging with the County’s food producers’ community during our annual forum
I joined the Montgomery County Food Council, Office of Agriculture, Manna Food Center, and the Office of Food System Resilience to attend the 8th Annual MoCo Food Producers' Forum, where I got to meet with members of the farming community, various agricultural organizations, and a whole host of other food system partners. I received updates on the initiatives and services needed to keep agriculture in Montgomery County vibrant and sustainable. One of the key components of my S.M.A.R.T. agenda is advancing sustainable local food production in the Agricultural Reserve. I will continue to stay apprised of ongoing developments within our County’s agricultural industry.
Revitalize the Economy
Welcoming Silver Spring’s Beauty 4U and Rockville’s Nothing Bundt Cakes!
Celebrating the grand opening of new local businesses – Nothing Bundt Cakes and Beauty 4U!
Despite economic uncertainty at the federal level, Montgomery County is fortunate to have many thriving businesses. This month, I attended the grand openings of Beauty 4U and the fourth Nothing Bundt Cakes location, as well as the reopening of the 7-Eleven in Germantown. I encourage everyone to visit Beauty 4U for their wellness needs and then enjoy a treat from Nothing Bundt Cakes or 7-11 if you’re on the go. Together, we can make sure our local businesses continue to flourish!
Strathmore Celebration
 This month, the Music Center at Strathmore turned 20 years old! I celebrated this occasion with community members of all ages at the spirited 20th Anniversary Celebration, where we enjoyed live performances, dancing, and family fun for our youngest residents. Institutions like Strathmore serve as stewards for our County’s performing arts initiatives and programs, bringing together our community to appreciate exceptional music, dance, and other artistic experiences.
AMBER Perfect Pitch
This year’s Black History Month theme is “African Americans and Labor.” While both significant hurdles and great successes mark the history of Black labor, we can uplift our county’s Black workers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders today and create a new legacy for future generations.
Discussing business pitching skills with alumni of the MoCo Black Collective’s AMBER Business Coaching Program
The Montgomery County Black Collective is an exemplary organization doing just that. For years, it has invested in implementing and expanding its AMBER Business Coaching Program. The AMBER program provides emerging business owners with access to targeted and specialized training programs to enhance their pitching skills, attract investors, expand access to capital, and even generate new clients. I am pleased to witness the transformational growth that our homegrown businesses undergo as they access the training and resources that can better ensure their success!
Tackle Climate Change Through Equitable Transportation Initiatives
The Future of the Dickerson Incinerator Plant
We must overhaul our solid waste management system and close the Dickerson Incinerator Plant.
Montgomery County has made significant progress in many areas, but it's time to improve our solid waste management system. The Dickerson Incinerator Plant processes waste by incinerating over 550,000 tons annually to generate electricity. As the County Council reviews a proposed five-year, $100 million contract extension, I am committed to exploring alternative solutions.
Much of our waste is water, leading to lower electricity generation efficiency. Concerns about air pollution and hazardous ash also exist. In a recent WUSA9 interview, I emphasized our vision to transition away from the incinerator and modernize our solid waste management to better align with our environmental goals for a healthier community and future.
Panel Discussion on Solar Panel “Direct Pay” Incentive
Incentivizing the expansion of renewable energy is critical to making progress in combating climate change. Montgomery County Green Bank, in collaboration with Interfaith Power & Light, hosted a panel discussion on the recently introduced “Direct Pay” or Elective Pay Solar PV Incentive for organizations under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). During this discussion, they shared steps to access these incentive structures and essential considerations for whether non-profit and community organizations should rent or own a solar power system.
Cross-sector leaders interested in renewable energy expansion gathered to discuss solar power incentives.
March Public Hearing Schedule for the Montgomery County Council
There are many upcoming public hearings for us to hear from you on specific legislation! Share your thoughts by testifying at a public hearing in March, which will take place on March 4th, 11th, and 18th. Sign up to testify or submit your testimony using this link. You can view the complete list of upcoming public hearings here, and the deadline to sign up is 2:00 p.m. the day before the hearing.
Vacancies for Montgomery County Boards, Committees, and Commissions (BCC)
The following County boards, committees, and commissions are seeking applicants:
For information on how to apply or any other questions, please contact Council.Clerk@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Legislative Corner
March ECON and HHS Committee Worksessions
Below is the list for March's ECON and HHS Committee Worksessions. To find committee work session agendas and watch live, you can follow along on County Cable 6, the Council website, or the Council’s YouTube or Facebook page.
- March 6th, 9:30 a.m., Joint HHC/EC Committee Meeting
- March 6th, 1:30 p.m., ECON Committee Meeting
- March 10th, 9:30 a.m., ECON Committee Meeting
Community Events
March 1: Family Forum and Resource Fair on Mental Health & Substance Use Prevention
Montgomery Goes Purple, MCPS, DHHS, MCCPTA, and others have partnered again to bring lifesaving information, conversations, and resources to our community. The goal of the event is to inform and educate youth and adults alike about fentanyl, Narcan (with distribution), mental health and substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery, required insurance coverage (Parity & Equity), and resources available to help as needed. This forum will include many supportive sessions delivered in both English and Spanish as well as a Resource Fair, and participants may choose sessions to attend, which will run consecutively in different rooms throughout the morning.
March 1: Youth Democracy Fest hosted by Civic Circle
Join Civic Circle for their first-ever Youth Democracy Fest! This family-friendly gathering to celebrate democracy and youth voices event will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center in Silver Spring. Attendees will hear inspiring civic songs and poems by students in our community and enjoy uplifting performances by local performers and musicians. Tickets are free, but seating is limited, so reserve your spot!
March 5: Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services Stakeholders Forum
Architects, builders, contractors, designers, developers, engineers, homeowners, land use attorneys, permit expediters,s, and other professionals are encouraged to attend this event, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) building in Wheaton. The forum will feature presentations and updates from DPS staff on new programs, resources, and services. Attendees can participate in seven breakout sessions on a variety of permitting topics, as well as a question-and-answer segment. If you’re unable to attend in person, register here!
March 8: Acoustics and Ales
Get an early start celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at Acoustics and Ales from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North Four Corners Local Park in Silver Spring. Irish entertainment and local food and drinks will bring together families to enjoy the sunshine. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.
March 10: Public Forum on MCPD’s Consent Search Policy
The Advisory Commission on Policing (ACP) of Montgomery County will host a virtual public forum on March 10, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The forum will cover the Montgomery County Police Department’s consent search policy and allow residents to ask questions and share feedback. Councilmembers, MCPD leadership, and the State Attorney's office will be present. Residents can submit written questions in advance, and organizations are encouraged to consolidate their submissions. The event will also be live-streamed on the Council’s Facebook page.
March 12: MCEAL 10th Annual Grown-Up Spelling Bee
The Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy (MCAEL) will host its 10th Annual Grown-Up Spelling Bee from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center in Silver Spring. It's always a joyful evening, with snacks and refreshments followed by a lively Spelling Bee competition among local organizations and businesses—all in support of essential English Language learning opportunities in Montgomery County!
March 20: History Hour: African Labor, Language and Lifeways in American Culture
Join Dr. Iyelli Ichile, Director of the African American Studies Institute at Prince George’s Community College, to learn more about the impacts of African labor, language, and lifeways on American culture from the 17th century to the present. The History Hour will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Josiah Henson Museum and Park in North Bethesda. This event is for ages 12 and older; tickets are $5 per person, and refreshments will be provided.
March 28: Women's History Month Breakfast and Mentorship Event
Join me at the Silver Spring Civic Building from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for an event celebrating Women's History Month. The event will focus on the theme of “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” Attendees will enjoy breakfast, inspiring discussions, and a unique mentorship matching program featuring county leaders and changemakers passionate about women's advocacy and empowerment. This event is free, but registration is required.
March 29: Women of Woodlawn Walking Tour
Join the “Women of Woodlawn” tour at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park in Sandy Springs to explore women's societal norms from the early 1800s to the 1970s. This engaging tour showcases original 19th-century documents and runs from 1:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. for participants aged 16 and older. Purchase your tickets for $5. They recommend registering in advance, as limited tickets are available at the Visitor Center.
- The City of Gaithersburg Youth Education and Enrichment Grant program is accepting applications until March 28. Eligible nonprofits will be able to partner with Gaithersburg schools to provide various programming for students.
- Join the Montgomery County LGBTQIA+ Liaison and the Montgomery County Pride Family for a Community Hope & Support Circle. This weekly virtual gathering on Zoom meets every Thursday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and aims to empower, spread joy, and provide resources for the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Montgomery County students, the 2025 Bernie Scholarship Application is now open! Recipients receive financial assistance to attend college or a vocational program and connect with a mentor. Application materials are due by April 1.
- Receive assistance during this tax season! You may qualify for the Community Action Agency’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides free tax preparation help for County residents with a household income of $67,000 or less – click here to schedule an appointment.
- If you’re interested in doing business with the County, visit the County Procurements webpage for the most up-to-date list of County solicitations and contracts, including those reserved for small, veteran-owned, and minority-owned businesses.
- If your small business is affected by the Purple Line construction, the state of Maryland’s Department of Transportation offers small business grants of up to $50,000.
- The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) accepts applications for various 2025 scholarships on its website. The deadline to apply for most scholarships is mid-March.
- Primary Care Coalition will offer a 100% tuition and fees scholarship to Montgomery County residents interested in becoming a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) or a GNA (Geriatric Nursing Assistant) – apply today!
- Visit Montgomery is surveying residents as part of their efforts to develop a compelling rural branding and tourism strategy for Montgomery County’s rural communities, including the 93,000-acre Agricultural Reserve. Learn more and take the survey!
- The Montgomery County Food Council’s resource directory lists over 100 food assistance sites. You can search by location, languages spoken, food assistance type, accessibility, and other features to best serve residents’ needs.
- DACA recipients can get a private health plan and financial help through Maryland Health Connection. Find out if you qualify!
- If you are living with HIV in Montgomery County, you are not alone. Join our County’s monthly virtual support group meeting on Zoom every 4th Tuesday at 5:30 PM.
- Montgomery County Children’s Opportunity Alliance offers Pre-K Capacity Building Grant Funding for local child care centers – apply now!
If you have questions or want to discuss this newsletter, please email me at Councilmember.Sayles@montgomerycountymd.gov or call my office at 240-777-7964.
If you haven't already, please click the button below to subscribe to our monthly newsletter. Thank you for reading; I look forward to continuing to serve our community in the new year and beyond!
Sincerely,
Laurie-Anne Sayles
Councilmember At-Large
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