 This week, County Executive Marc Elrich reflects on Juneteenth celebrations and reports on the recent BIO International convention he attended. He urges everyone to get out and enjoy the numerous outdoor concerts planned at numerous venues in Montgomery County and highlights his recent conversation with legendary blues artist Mark Wenner, founder of the Nighthawks. He condemns the recent political violence that left a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband dead. Finally, he warns everyone about the impending heat wave and highlights the long partnership the County has had with CASA of Maryland after its leader, Gustavo Torres, announced his retirement
 Join us for the County’s 28th annual Juneteenth celebration, “Pushing Back—The Fight for Freedom is Not Over” from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 21 at the Black Rock Center for the Arts in Germantown. Presented by the County’s Office of Human Rights, the free event is a powerful celebration of resilience, culture and community and will feature live music and performances, an artisan market with handmade items and food from local vendors (for purchase). The Black Rock Center for the Arts is located at 12901 Century Boulevard in Germantown. Juneteenth, officially recognized as a Federal and County holiday on Thursday, June 19, marks the historic day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will implement phase one of the Ride On Reimagined plan on Sunday, June 29 with new and updated routes and schedule adjustments. The changes are in coordination with the launch of Metro Bus changes, from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), taking place on the same day.
Montgomery County will present “Living Legend Awards” to six African American community leaders at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 20, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown.
 Montgomery County and the entire Washington metropolitan area is expecting the first heat wave of the summer beginning Monday, June 23. Continuing for several days, afternoon air temperatures are forecast to be in the upper 90s near 100° and overnight low temperatures will in the upper 70s to near 80°. Extreme heat affects the body's ability to regulate temperature, which can create dangerous conditions if appropriate safety measures are not taken. Heat may affect air quality, especially in urban areas, and may have a stronger impact on the elderly, children and sick persons.
 On or about June 18, Purple Line crews will install light rail tracks, reconstruct sidewalks and complete stormwater drainage and utility crossings across the intersection of Wayne Avenue and Fenton Street. This work will require a temporary full closure of the Wayne Avenue and Fenton Street intersection to vehicular traffic. To minimize disruption, construction has been scheduled to coincide with the local school summer break.
Montgomery County is the first local government in Maryland to be recognized with a SolSmart Platinum designation, the highest level awarded, for encouraging the growth of affordable solar energy options at the local level. In 2020, Montgomery County was awarded a SolSmart Gold designation.
A friendly reminder to all residents and businesses that the use of handheld, backpack and walk-behind gas leaf blowers and vacuums must stop July 1st in Montgomery County! Unsure of what to do next? Learn more about how to manage leaves and debris on your property, and tips about buying and using battery powered leaf blowers at montgomerycountymd.gov/leafblowers.
 The County’s minimum wage will increase on July 1, 2025, in accordance with County law that ties annual wage adjustments to inflation. The change affects employers of all sizes across Montgomery County.
 Stay connected and informed with the Montgomery County Black Community Calendar—a centralized platform created to highlight and support events focused on the Black and African American community. Hosted by the Montgomery County Black Collective, this resource empowers Black-led organizations by offering a dedicated space to post, promote and share culturally relevant events and initiatives.
 Looking for a chill night watching a movie under the lights while staying cool in the pool?Montgomery Recreation’s four Dive-In Movie nights may be just for you! The first of four events is coming up on Saturday, June 28 with a screening of "Shark Tale" at Bethesda Outdoor Pool.
Celebrate Independence Day early in Gaithersburg! Join us for an evening filled with live music, delicious food from local trucks and breweries, and fun activities for the whole family! Don't miss the spectacular fireworks display lighting up the night sky. Happening Saturday, June 28, from 6-11 p.m. at Bohrer Park. Let’s make it a night to remember.
Pride in the Plaza returns to Downtown Silver Spring's Veterans Plaza from noon-8 p.m. on Sunday, June 29. In addition to a plaza full of LGBTQIA+ community vendors and supportive organizations and businesses, Pride in the Plaza 2025 will feature Drag Story Hour, the finale of Drag Duels, a community/open mic stage and will close with the fifth annual Pride in the Plaza Mini-Ball! Don't miss out—join us for a day of pride, fun and community! Celebrate diversity, embrace unity!
 Montgomery County is set to celebrate Independence Day with two events full of fireworks, live music and other family-friendly activities.
This year’s “Heritage Days” events are planned from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29. This free festival highlights historic, cultural and outdoor recreation sites offering special programs including exhibits and demonstrations, live music, activities for children and much more! Heritage Days is the perfect chance to enjoy many small sites that are not regularly open to the public.
County Department of Transportation Seeking Members for MD 355 Flash Bus Rapid Transit Corridor Advisory Committee
The County’s Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is looking for applicants to join the MD 355 Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Corridor Advisory Committee. The committee is comprised of residents, business owners and other stakeholders along the MD 355 corridor--from Bethesda to Clarksburg. Members will participate in periodic meetings, allowing MCDOT to give updates on the project and gather feedback from stakeholders along this corridor. Applications are due by Monday, July 14.
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Join Montgomery Parks for their Shakespeare Beyond performances, featuring Chesapeake Shakespeare Company. They’ll be bringing a fresh twist to a timeless Shakespearean classic, The Comedy of Errors, Hon!
Join Silver Spring Town Center Inc. at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8 for a special book talk The Lost Trees of Willow Avenue: A Story of Climate & Hope on One American Street with author Mike Tidwell in the Fenton Room of the Silver Spring Civic Building. Filmmakers Richard Hall and Simone Fary will also present a short documentary based on the book.
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