The Sayles Sentinel: United in Service

Moving Forward Together – Women Educating and Inspiring Generations

March 2025

A Message from Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles

Reflecting on Women’s History Month 2025

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, I reflect with deep gratitude on the powerful, inspiring moments we’ve shared this March. Throughout the month, I had the honor of connecting with incredible women leaders, entrepreneurs, students, and advocates who continue to push boundaries, break glass ceilings, and inspire meaningful change in our communities across generations. My Third Annual Women’s History Month Celebration was among the most memorable highlights. This year’s theme, “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations,” served as both a celebration and a call to action—a reminder that while we’ve made great strides, there is still urgent work ahead to ensure every woman and girl can thrive.

Beyond my signature event, I was honored to participate in other meaningful gatherings this month, which I’ll highlight in more detail below. Every event, every conversation, every connection reaffirmed what I already know: when women come together, we are unstoppable. As we look ahead, let’s carry the spirit of Women’s History Month daily. Let’s mentor one another, amplify underrepresented voices, and continue to push for policies that protect and uplift all women and girls.

We are, and always will be, moving forward together.

With purpose and power,

Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles

Montgomery County Council, At-Large

Advocating for Federal Workers

United in Service

Trump’s mass layoffs are unacceptable and reckless. We recognize your challenges and are here to support you. Join me tonight, Wednesday, April 2, at 7 p.m. on Zoom., for the next United in Service and Support community meeting. We'll discuss job opportunities, career transitions, and resources for federal employees facing uncertainty.  This virtual meeting is the fourth session in our biweekly series covering employment, housing support, health resources, and more.

Please log in by 6:50 p.m. to ensure you’re ready. Questions can be submitted in advance through the link provided.

Montgomery County is stronger when we support each other. Whether you're a federal worker facing job instability or exploring new career options, this series is for you. I hope you'll join us and help us spread the word!

Women’s History Month Events

Third Annual Women’s History Month Event: Moving Forward Together: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations

Center: Senator Angela Alsobrooks and myself.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for my Third Annual Women’s History Month Celebration! Each year, we come together to uplift the achievements of women—past, present, and future—and this year’s theme, “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations,” served as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to support and empower the next generation of leaders.

Senator Angela Alsobrooks delivered a powerful keynote, sharing her public service journey and the importance of sisterhood and mentorship. She urged us to lead boldly, to lift as we climb, and to pave the way for a more just and inclusive world, leaving a lasting impact on all in attendance. Council President Kate Stewart highlighted the power of local leadership in advancing equity, and we proudly celebrated Summer Zhong, the fourth-grade winner of the 2024 Girl Power Essay Contest. This annual celebration is more than just an event—it’s a labor of love and a commitment to making space for women to lead, heal, and rise.

Thank you to the mentors who spent valuable time with our mentees, the media outlets who attended or helped spread the word, the Montgomery County Public Information Office, and the Silver Spring Civic Center for hosting us. I also want to recognize the incredible county agencies and community partners who hosted resource tables onsite—your presence gave attendees invaluable information, support networks, and continued growth and engagement opportunities.

Special thanks to our partners and resource providers:

• Carpe Diem Arts, Inc.
• Montgomery County Public Schools
• Community Bridges
• League of Women Voters of Montgomery County
• Office of Human Resources
• Montgomery County, Maryland, NOW
• PsycYourMind
• Potomac Valley Alumnae Chapter - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
• Maryland Sickle Cell Disease Association
• WSSC 
• MoCo EmpowHER
• DHHS Maternal Child Health: Babies Born Healthy Program
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Eta Theta Sigma Alumnae Chapter
• PEP - Parent Encouragement Program
• American Minority Veterans Research Project
• Montgomery County Commission for Women
• Office of the Comptroller of Maryland

My team and I couldn’t have brought this event to life without each of you. Your energy, engagement, and continued advocacy make this celebration so meaningful. Until next year, let’s continue to move forward together!

Women Lead Expo

I am proud to have participated in the Women Lead Expo, hosted by the Ethio-American Chamber of Commerce. This event is a powerful gathering of women leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. It is a meaningful way to honor the legacy of immigrant women who have paved the way for investing in our economy while spotlighting those who continue to lead with vision, courage, and purpose. It is a space to celebrate our collective progress, share resources, and build networks that support women in business and leadership, making an impact locally and globally.

Vision & Purpose – Magazine Cover

Thank you, Vision & Purpose magazine, for featuring me on your March cover. To be recognized by a publication that uplifts women leading with passion, purpose, and impact is a great honor. It is not only humbling—it’s a powerful reminder of why I do the work I do every day. As a public servant, I strive to amplify voices, break down barriers, and create pathways for opportunity. I'm grateful to Vision & Purpose for celebrating stories like mine and continuing to highlight women and inspiring communities that are making a difference everywhere.

Women’s History Month Proclamation and Breakfast

On March 11, the majority female Council presented a proclamation with local leaders and community advocates to celebrate Women’s History Month in recognition of women's collective strength and influence across our diverse County. Guest speakers included student leaders from The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) and Dr. Anne Khademian, executive director at USG and associate vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University System of Maryland. Additionally, select students from the Universities at Shady Grove were invited to speak about their accomplishments and what Women’s History Month means to them. 

U.S. Black Chambers Power 50 Women's Luncheon

Attending the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.’s 2025 Power 50 Women of Influence Luncheon was a pleasure. It was a truly inspiring celebration of excellence, leadership, and impact. This event brought together 50 remarkable women from across the country, leading their industries and creating lasting change in their communities and beyond. 

Meet Jotaka Eaddy, the Founder of "Win with Black Women; President, CEO, and Founder of U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. Ron Busby Sr.; Rian Holt, co-owner of The Drip Bar DC; myself; 1st Lady of MD Dawn Moore's stylist Lana Rae; and First Lady of Maryland Dawn Moore.

From public policy and healthcare to entrepreneurship and the arts, the honorees represented the best of what it means to lead with purpose, vision, and an unwavering commitment to progress. As a public servant, witnessing many dynamic women honored for their contributions and celebrating alongside fellow changemakers was incredibly powerful.

This year’s Global Trailblazer of the Year is the illustrious Janice Bryant Howroyd, Founder & CEO of ActOne Group, and the Woman of the Year is Fawn Weaver, Founder & CEO of Grant Sidney, Inc. Congratulations to this year’s Power 50! 

Community

Happy St. Patrick's Day

On March 15, I was honored to join the City of Gaithersburg’s 23rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Rio. It was a joy to celebrate with friends and neighbors at this beloved tradition, which brings our community together year after year. The energy, the performances, and the sea of green made for a truly festive day! Gaithersburg holds a special place in my heart, from serving on the City Council to representing the city as an at-large county councilmember.

Ramadan: A Month of Faith, Fasting, and Community

This Ramadan, I was honored to attend several meaningful gatherings across Montgomery County, including the Annual Iftar Dinner, Dawoodi Bohras of USA Iftar, the Elected & Appointed Officials Iftar, MCC’s Annual Iftar, ICM’s Iftar Dinner, and the Idara Interfaith Iftar—each one a powerful reminder of the unity, generosity, and shared values that strengthen our diverse community. 

These sacred traditions—Ramadan, Iftar, and Eid al-Fitr—are times of spiritual reflection and renewal and powerful reminders of the values that unite us: compassion, community, and service to others. As a Councilmember, it is essential to me to be present in spaces that reflect our county's diversity and uplift the voices and contributions of all faith communities. The unity, generosity, and hospitality I’ve witnessed during these events exemplify the best of who we are in Montgomery County. I extend my warmest wishes to all those observing and thank our Muslim neighbors for inviting me to be part of such meaningful celebrations.

MCPD Drone Launch

This month, I joined the Montgomery County Police Department for its newly launched drone program, marking a significant step forward in its commitment to innovation, transparency, and public safety. Introducing drone technology will enhance MCPD’s ability to respond to emergencies, support search and rescue operations, and improve situational awareness during critical incidents while maintaining strict protocols to protect privacy and civil liberties. This launch reflects Montgomery County’s ongoing efforts to embrace innovative, data-driven tools that keep our communities safe, informed, and connected.

Budget Season Is Upon Us

County Executive Marc Elrich released his recommended $7.7 billion operating budget for Fiscal Year 2026. This proposal focuses on maintaining the services our residents rely on—like public education, affordable housing, economic development, and public safety—while being mindful of our long-term financial health, especially with the uncertainty we’re seeing at the federal and state levels. For a full breakdown, you can watch a recording of the budget presentation on the County’s YouTube page.

The proposed budget considers inflation, employee contracts, and the expiration of some federal funds we’ve relied on in recent years. Now that the Executive has submitted the budget, the Council will begin its review process. Over the next two months, we’ll dig into the details, hold public hearings, and make any necessary changes. The County Council will finalize the budget in May, which will go into effect on July 1.

Here are a few key highlights of the proposed FY26 budget:

• A historic $250 million increase in local funding for Montgomery County Public Schools—the largest ever County contribution
• New public safety initiatives to strengthen emergency response and community safety
• A fare-free Ride On bus system to make public transit more accessible for everyone
• A proposed tax rate increase to ensure our fully funded schools and critical services are 
• Strategic reductions and targeted enhancements to protect core County services
• Budget amendments may still be needed, depending on what happens with the State budget
• A total of $791 million in reserves—11.2% of the budget—including $87.2 million above the minimum required

As your Councilmember, I’ll focus on ensuring that this budget reflects our shared priorities and addresses the needs of our residents. I look forward to hearing your feedback as we move through this process together.

S.M.A.R.T. Updates Around the County

Strengthen 21st Century Learning from Cradle to Career and Beyond

Read Across America

Read Across America is a nationwide initiative that celebrates reading and encourages children and families to develop a lifelong love for books. Launched by the National Education Association, this annual event motivates students to read while emphasizing literacy's critical role in academic and personal success. To kick off Read Across America week, The Children’s Opportunity Alliance hosted a daily reading event promoting early literacy in Montgomery County. I joined my colleagues as guest readers at childcare centers across the county, selecting Hope Grows Child Development Center in Germantown.

 Championing Early Literacy

I recently joined my colleague, Councilmember Evan Glass, to cut the ribbon for a new book vending machine at William Tyler Page Elementary School. These efforts not only make reading fun but also promote equity in education by emphasizing access to diverse books that reflect the rich backgrounds of all students. Closing the literacy gap starts through empowerment. We invest in a more informed, engaged, and capable future generation by championing early literacy.

Community Cares Day at Twinbrook Elementary

On the final day of March, I was proud to present a proclamation declaring March 31 as Community Cares Day—a celebration of collective action, environmental stewardship, and neighborhood pride. This day was about more than words; it was about impact. The Twinbrook Elementary School community came together to create a more vibrant and sustainable learning environment by planting new landscaping, building benches (I happily got my hands dirty), and painting murals that promote environmental awareness and protection.

Thanks to the collaboration of MCPS Community Schools, the SERT Program, Habitat for Humanity, Montgomery County Recreation’s Teen Works Program, Nature Forward, and the City of Rockville, this project brought new life to a school that serves as a cornerstone of the community. We’ve created a space to inspire students and serve as a living classroom on climate change and environmental responsibility for future generations.

Imagination Stage 10 Years of Theatre for Change

The Imagine Award was presented to long-time supporter and collaborator, José Antonio Tijerino (center), president and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF).

I was thrilled to celebrate Imagination Stage at its 2025 Annual Gala at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, celebrating 10 years of Theatre for Change. As a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and equity, I’m proud to support this vital program that explores complex social justice issues to help build a new generation of compassionate, collaborative children. This powerful initiative goes beyond performance—it uses the transformative power of theater to spark dialogue, build empathy, and amplify the voices of young people, particularly those from underrepresented communities.

MCAEL Grown-Up Spelling Bee

The MCAEL Grown-Up Spelling Bee, now celebrating its 10th year, is always a joyful evening filled with friendly competition and community spirit. This lively event brings together local organizations and businesses to support crucial English language learning opportunities in Montgomery County. Programs like the Spelling Bee showcase the power of community in advancing equity in education. Events like these unite local leaders and organizations to promote lifelong learning and create opportunities for all.

Paving the Way

I regularly visit county schools, colleges, and resource events, such as the Albert Einstein High School Career Day and the Ivymount Resource Fair. Career Days offer young people direct access to professionals across various industries, helping them envision what’s possible and inspiring them to pursue their goals confidently. Similarly, resource fairs like Ivymount ensure connections between students, especially those with unique learning needs, and their families, with the support services, tools, and networks that promote success beyond the classroom.

Youth Advisory Council 

This month, we held the second-to-last meeting for this semester's cohort of my Youth Advisory Council. Students shared their presentations on the importance of advocacy, specifically within our communities. Guest speakers included: Sela Gebrechristos, a longtime advocate of grassroots organizing with communities affected by systemic violence, and 2025 Miss Bethesda and founder of E3 Consultants, Taylor James. Taylor’s nonprofit strategy firmly supports mission-driven organizations at the intersection of equity and sustainability.

By bringing together a dynamic group of student leaders across Montgomery County to share their perspectives, priorities, and ideas for the future, the Youth Advisory Council serves as a vital platform for young people to engage directly with local government, elevate their voices on critical issues, and help shape policies that impact their lives—from education and mental health to climate justice, economic opportunity, and civic engagement.

Make Living in Montgomery County More Affordable

Planning is an often overlooked but vital part of determining the present and future of our County. I was thrilled that the Montgomery County Planning Department has launched the Community Planning Academy, a new program intended to make the planning process more accessible for residents. Those selected for the Academy will explore the development process, focusing on key topics such as zoning, historic preservation, and permitting.

In doing so, residents will become better equipped for local planning decisions. The first cohort of 50 residents will launch in June 2025. The deadline to fill out the interest form is May 9th. In acknowledgement of the time required, cohort participants will receive a $150 gift card. 

Power Tea

I was honored to attend the Montgomery Women Power Tea at the Strathmore, an event dedicated to empowering women in Montgomery County who aspire to leadership positions in the political and governmental sectors. The event began and concluded on a high note. Dr. DeRionne Pollard, former President of Montgomery College and current President of Nevada State University, delivered the Keynote Address. And this year’s Shining Star awardee is Jackie DeCarlo, CEO of Manna Food Center. This acknowledgement is well deserved for her many accomplishments toward ending hunger in Montgomery County.

It was inspiring to be a part of the conversation, and I look forward to supporting others as they have supported me. 

Leadership Academy for Social Justice

This past weekend, I spoke to students of the Leadership Academy for Social Justice (LASJ) 's second annual Social Justice Fair at Walt Whitman High School, which was truly inspiring. Through thoughtful breakout sessions and engaging discussions, students explored various pressing issues, from racial justice and climate equity to mental health, education access, and civic engagement. Programs like LASJ pave the way for real progress by empowering young people to think critically, lead boldly, and advocate for systemic solutions. These students aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the changemakers of today, and their commitment to advancing social justice gives us hope for a stronger, fairer future.

Leadership Montgomery

On March 5, I joined the other County Councilmembers for a breakfast and moderated Q&A session with members of Leadership Montgomery, bringing together public officials and community leaders for a morning of thoughtful discussion and collaboration. Held at the County Council building, the event provided an open forum for Councilmembers to share their legislative priorities, reflect on the county's state, and answer questions from Leadership Montgomery’s engaged network. Events like these are essential in bridging the gap between government and the people it serves—offering space to build understanding, exchange ideas, and cultivate strong, community-rooted leadership for the future.

Advance Sustainable Local Food Production in the Ag Reserve

8th Annual MoCo Food Producers' Forum 

Earlier this month, I enjoyed attending the 8th Annual MoCo Food Producers’ Forum, hosted in partnership by the Office of Agriculture, Montgomery County Food Council, and Manna Food Center. This event brought together local farms that form the backbone of our local food system. I engaged with farmers on challenges and successes in areas like Farm to Food Bank initiatives, funding, labor costs, and aggregation. We heard from state partners at the Maryland Department of Agriculture on programs supporting small farms, urban agriculture, and value-added processing. Supporting our local food producers is essential to building a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient Montgomery County, and I remain committed to uplifting their voices and needs in our policymaking.

Meals on Wheels

On March 26, I had the honor of joining Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland to deliver meals to some of our homebound neighbors in Montgomery County. Meals on Wheels has served our region since 1960, providing nutritious meals, friendly visits, and safety checks to older adults and individuals with disabilities who may otherwise go without.

It was a significant experience to meet some residents who rely on these services—not just for food but also for connection and care. I’m proud to support organizations like Meals on Wheels that help our communities age with dignity and remain independent in their homes.

Revitalize the Economy

Greater Olney Community Awards

Honoree, Congressman Jamie Raskin, GOCA President Irina Norrell, and me.

I participated in the Annual Greater Olney Community Awards Ceremony & Reception this past weekend alongside Congressman Jamie Raskin. Hosted by the Greater Olney Civic Association (GOCA), the Olney Chamber of Commerce, and the Olney Civic Fund, this event celebrated individuals, public safety personnel, businesses, and organizations whose contributions make Olney a vibrant community.

Montgomery County is OPEN for Business

I joined local entrepreneurs, small business owners, and government agencies yesterday at the “Montgomery County is OPEN for Business” Procurement Fair. Annual events focused on expanding opportunities for local businesses are significant economic assets for the county and entrepreneurs alike. Hosted at the Silver Spring Civic Building, the fair connected attendees with key county departments, procurement officers, and partners, offering valuable resources on navigating the contracting process. 

Lafayette Federal Credit Union Fallsgrove Branch Ribbon Cutting

I was thrilled to attend the Lafayette Federal Credit Union’s Fallsgrove Branch Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting. Celebrating the growth of financial institutions is vital to our economy because they promote financial accessibility, support small businesses, and create local jobs, all while helping residents build wealth and economic stability close to home.

Mom and Pop Business Owners Day

Presentation of the Mom and Pop Small Business Day Proclamation at City Council

On March 25, I was joined by Councilmember Sidney Katz to celebrate Maryland Day by presenting a proclamation for Mom and Pop Business Owners Day. The holiday was an appropriate time to highlight their work for Montgomery County, which has a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, with more than 95 percent of businesses employing fewer than 50 individuals. Small businesses are crucial in strengthening our local economies by contributing 40 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product, generating approximately two-thirds of new jobs, and employing nearly half of all private-sector workers. These small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and lifting them is lifting our community as a whole.

Jewish Community Relations Council Advocacy Day

JCRC members shared their concerns about the FY26 budget.

I had a productive discussion with the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) on the upcoming budget, learning more about their work in the community through organizations like Makom, Sunflower Bakery, and Hebrew Home. Their efforts to educate and support the local workforce, provide elder care, and support security efforts for our religious communities significantly contribute to building a strong, stable Montgomery County. I look forward to working with them to ensure this year’s budget adequately provides for our advocates, nonprofits, and service organizations that form the bedrock of our community.

Additional Resources for Displaced Federal Workers

Montgomery County hosts hundreds of thousands of federal workers, contractors, and other employees who face instability due to the federal administration. The County Council, along with our state and federal counterparts, stands firmly beside you. We thank you for your service and contributions to our country, and we are committed to supporting you in any way possible.

If federal government changes have impacted you, there are several resources available to assist you:

The County Council has also hosted online resource meetings focused on employment, workforce development, unemployment benefits, immigration issues, housing assistance, health and wellness, and essential county services. You can view the full schedule of information sessions here. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office anytime with questions or requests for assistance.

Resources: 

• Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington has scaled up to provide food assistance for workers affected by federal action or other economic insecurity. This program is made possible through the support of many individuals, groups, and organizations. Anyone needing assistance can go to www.acsgw.org/gethelp.
• Maryland State and Local Government Career Fair is scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Building at 1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring, MD. This event allows job seekers to connect with employers from local and state government agencies and private sector organizations.
• Montgomery Co. group to offer free mental health evaluations for fired federal employees: Rosalyn Beroza, a licensed therapist from Silver Spring, is leading an effort to establish the Therapist Recruitment Project, a network of more than two dozen licensed therapists offering free consultations—primarily virtual—for former federal workers who need them.

Mobilize Montgomery Launch

Montgomery County is home to thousands of federal workers, contractors, and businesses affected by the recent federal budget cuts. Because of this, Montgomery County Government officials and key partners launched Mobilize Montgomery, a strategic collaboration aimed toward supporting those workers and businesses by providing resources, amplifying outreach efforts from the Montgomery County Government, creating toolkits to help affected companies, and developing new programs such as weekly webinars and new events geared toward employees and employers.

The coalition, Mobilize Montgomery, includes the Montgomery County Government, Maryland Department of Labor, WorkSource Montgomery, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Gaithersburg, Rockville Chamber of Commerce, the Maryland Women’s Business Center, and Rockville Economic Development, Inc., as well as additional local chambers.

Legislative Corner

April ECON and HHS Committee Work Sessions

Below is the list for April's ECON and HHS Committee Work Sessions. 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.

• April 10th, 1:30 p.m., ECON Committee Meeting
• April 11th, 9:30 a.m. EC/HHS Committee Meeting 
• April 11th, 1:30 p.m., HHS Committee Meeting 
• April 21st, 9:00 a.m., Joint GO/HHS Committee Meeting 
• April 21st, 9:30 a.m., HHS Committee Meeting 
• April 24th, 9:30 a.m., Joint EC/HHS Committee Meeting 
• April 24th, 1:30 p.m., ECON Committee Meeting 
• April 28th, 1:30 p.m., HHS Committee Meeting 
• April 30th, 1:30 p.m., ECON Committee Meeting 

Public Hearings:

The Council announced public hearings scheduled for April 1, 7, and 8, 2025, to gather community input on newly introduced items. On April 1 at 1:30 p.m., discussions will include supplemental appropriations for the Department of Transportation and the Office of the County Executive and Expedited Bills 9-25 and 10-25, addressing technical corrections and hiring preferences for displaced federal workers, respectively. On April 8 at 1:30 p.m., the council will receive testimony on the additional amendments to the FY25- 30 Capital Improvements Program (CIP).

Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Operating Budget Hearings:

April 7 and 8 will focus on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget and related programs, with sessions at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. each day. Residents interested in testifying must register by specified deadlines, and all hearings will be broadcast live via County Cable Montgomery and online platforms.

National Association of Counties (NACo)

I’m honored to share that I’ve been appointed to the National Association of Counties (NACo) NACo Finance, Pensions and Intergovernmental Affairs Steering Committee (FPIGA). Serving on this committee on behalf of the Council presents an incredible opportunity to collaborate with local leaders from across the country dedicated to strengthening our communities. Being part of NACo allows me to bring Montgomery County’s priorities to a national platform, advocate for the resources our residents need, and help shape policies that promote equity, innovation, and progress at the county level. Through this role, I look forward to engaging in meaningful dialogue, sharing best practices, and learning from the experiences of other counties tackling similar challenges. It’s a chance to elevate the voices of our community and ensure Montgomery County remains at the forefront of people-centered governance.

Community Events

April 4–7: Paranormal Cirque III

Experience a unique fusion of circus, theater, and cabaret under the stunning striped big top tent at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg. Note: Attendees must be at least 13 years old; adults must accompany those aged 13–17. Tickets are available for purchase online. ​

April 8-9: Montgomery County Energy Summit

Join industry professionals at the Silver Spring Civic Building for discussions on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and related topics pertinent to the county. This two-day event offers educational sessions, networking opportunities, and exhibits. Registration details are available on the event website. ​

April 11-17: Black Maternal Health Week, highlighting disparities affecting Black mothers. Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women, with Maryland's rate for Blacks nearly four times higher. 

April 13: National Cherry Blossom Festival: Cherry Picks at The Grove

Celebrate the cherry blossom season at The Grove Bar and Grill with limited-time, seasonal dishes and whimsical cocktails inspired by the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Enjoy a festive atmosphere and unique menu items that capture the essence of spring. ​

April 26: Montgomery County GreenFest

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of GreenFest at Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Wheaton from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free, family-friendly event features exhibitors, educational workshops, live music, and activities focused on environmental sustainability. 

Community Resource Hub

• 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.
•  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!
•  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.
• Action Youth Media 2025 Spring Documentary Internship (Grades 8-12) - apply by April 8
• 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 meet the needs of our residents.
• 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!
• April 6: Community Cleanup Day – Wheaton Urban District (10 AM – 1 PM)
• April 6: Joan Karasik Resource Fair for Teens and Adults with Disabilities from 1 - 4 pm at Montgomery College, Rockville.  
• April 12: Black Health Matters – University of DC
• April 12: The next cohort for Africans for Mental Health (AFMH) - offering 245 Maryland residents free QPR Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention Virtual Training.
• April 20: Earth Day Celebration – Brookside Gardens
• Ongoing: Registration for Montgomery County Recreation 2025 summer camps is also underway at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org. 
• May 9: Deadline for the Planning Academy: Montgomery County Planning Board is launching an asynchronous, hybrid academy to teach residents about the planning process. They are recruiting for their first cohort to help refine the curriculum – the interest form is here: montgomeryplanning.org/planningacademy

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!