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Thursday, March 6, 2025

On Tuesday, the County Council honored local resident, developmental disability advocate, and volunteer Meghan Jones, who passed away earlier this year

Meghan's Life and Legacy

This week at the Council, we honored the incredible life and lasting legacy of Meghan Jones. Meghan made significant contributions for the developmental disability community in our County and State. Her fierce advocacy and independence paved the way for many others.

Her unexpected passing in January has been deeply felt, and I'm so appreciative of her family, friends, and colleagues who joined us.

Meghan had Down Syndrome, and worked to build a sense of community and belonging between herself and others with developmental disabilities. She was a Junior Reserve Officer Corps member at Magruder High School, helped launch Upcounty Community Resources, was the first person with a developmental disability to lector at a mass with Pope Francis, served as Vice Chairperson of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, and was a leader in so many ways big and small.

It was an honor to be joined by Meghan's parents and many of her friends and colleagues at the Council on Tuesday to celebrate her impact. Her life will continue to serve as a model for all of us. See more from Tuesday's celebration.

Strengthening Local Farms, Local Food

I joined the Montgomery County Food Council, the Office of Agriculture, and Manna Food Center for the eighth annual MoCo Food Producers' Forum at the Agricultural History Farm Park - a District 7 gem! We were joined by the Office of Food System Resilience and the Maryland Department of Agriculture for a discussion about programs and services needed to keep farming strong and viable in Montgomery County. 

It was a pleasure to speak with many members of our county’s hardworking and passionate ag community during a roundtable discussion. I listened as these individuals - community members, farmers, business owners, and stewards of the land - shared about the current challenges they're facing and the opportunities they see. We discussed sales, aggregation, rural transit, regulatory changes, and much more. 

We're continuing to protect agricultural land, invest in food storage opportunities, tweak policies to boost resources for farm preservation, and work with farmers to navigate licensing and other challenges.

I'm thankful for all of these partners whose collective efforts ensure that Montgomery County residents have a resilient, sustainable, and healthy food supply. 

Resources for Federal Employees 

In my last newsletter, I shared a host of resources for federal employees. I'm continuing to follow the evolving situation closely and am sharing additional information here. Please see this list of potential resources and the information below*: 

• Keep a record of everything on your personal computer, including hard copies of performance reviews and other key documents. 
• Consult your supervisor when you receive an order or request from outside your agency, such as a directive from Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
• If you're targeted, you may have the right to file a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) or the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). If you're part of a bargaining unit, you should consult with your union first. 
• If you have been fired for any reason, you may apply for Unemployment Insurance. This will not compromise your right to pursue legal action for wrongful termination. Each claim will be evaluated individually. 

*This information has been pulled from various sources and should not be interpreted as legal advice. For legal advice, consult an attorney, preferably one specializing in federal employee law. 

Today at 7:30 p.m., the Council will host another United in Service and Support Information Session. This is the second in a series of webinars focused on employment, workforce development, and unemployment benefits, immigration issues, housing assistance, health and wellness, and essential County services.

Experts from the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, MoCo Pride, EveryMind and the Black Physicians and Healthcare Network will share available mental health resources and tips for taking care of our mental wellbeing. Join the meeting on Zoom. Simultaneous interpretation in Spanish will be provided. The webinar will also be broadcast on County Cable Montgomery and streamed on the Council's YouTube and Facebook.

Montgomery County is home to more than 77,000 federal workers. If you know someone who has been affected by the changes at the federal level, please share these resources.

The "Ike" Leggett Building

Ike Leggett, Councilmembers, friends, family, and former colleagues celebrate the renaming of the Executive Office Building in Rockville as the Isiah "Ike" Leggett Executive Office Building

The County honored former Councilmember and County Executive Isiah "Ike" Leggett by naming the Executive Office Building in Rockville in his honor. The "Ike" will now be a testament to his steady, responsible, and forward-looking leadership for our community, as well as his incredible record of service and advocacy throughout his life.

In the Community...

Councilmember Luedtke at the mental health convening hosted by Council President Kate Stewart

I was grateful to take part in an important convening of mental health professionals, advocates, and stakeholders organized by Council President Kate Stewart. We discussed root causes, challenges, youth safety, self care, and the work we've been doing to improve the County's crisis intervention services.

Know Your Rights Webinar 

Join the Watkins Mill cluster for a Know Your Rights webinar with an immigration lawyer to learn about your rights, how to prepare for immigration enforcement, and protect your family. The webinar will be in English and Spanish. Submit questions in advance. 

Summer Jobs with MoCo Rec 

Looking for a summer job? Check out Montgomery County Recreation! They are hiring for a variety of summer positions including lifeguards, camp counselors, and camp directors. 

2025 Community Health Needs Assessment

Montgomery County hospitals are seeking residents’ input on health priorities through the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment survey, which will be used to shape local health programs tailored to the community’s needs. 

Meeting on North High Street Extended Project

Join the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) on March 11 at 6:30 p.m. for a virtual public hearing to discuss the proposed North High Street Extended project in Olney. MCDOT will present project details, costs, and the project schedule. The public will have an opportunity to provide testimony and ask questions. Register to attend and provide feedback via the online written testimony form. 

Maryland Home Stretch

Montgomery County residents with homes or businesses set far back from the road can now apply for a grant to bring high-speed internet to their properties through the Maryland Home Stretch – Difficult to Serve Properties Program, also known as the Long Driveway Internet Program. 

Police Expand Eligibility for Security Camera Incentive Program

The Montgomery County Police Department has expanded eligibility for the Police-Private Security Camera Program to include all addresses within Montgomery County.

MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase

The MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase will take place at the Hilton Rockville on March 30 and 31. This annual event brings together food enthusiasts and industry professionals to explore the latest culinary trends and innovations. 

2025 Black Business Expo

Attendee registration is now officially open for the 2025 Black Business Expo! The Expo will take place 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on June 10 at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville. This year will feature more than 70 black-owned businesses, nonprofits, and government entities in Montgomery County as exhibitors. 

WSSC Water Temporary Water Bill Assistance Program 

Get Current 2.0, WSSC Water’ temporary water bill assistance program, is running through June 30. The program assists eligible customers with a delinquent balance by providing bill credits up to 50 percent and 100 percent of late payment charges and turn-on fees waived.

Intern at the Council

The Montgomery County Office of Legislative Oversight (OLO) is seeking summer interns! OLO's mission is to provide the Council accurate information and analysis as well as independent findings and recommendations that help the Council fulfill its legislative oversight function. 

Free Community Shred Day

Nymeo Federal Credit Union is sponsoring a free community paper shredding day on April 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (or when the truck reaches maximum capacity) at the Apple Ridge Recreation Area in Montgomery Village. Residents may bring up to three boxes of documents to shred for free. Additionally, Nymeo will be collecting donations for the Montgomery County Humane Society during the shred event. Monetary donations (cash or check made out to MCHS) as well as items are welcome and encouraged. 

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