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Thursday, July 10, 2025

United In Service Webinar

Councilmember Luedtke presenting on Constituent Service Process during the United in Service and Support Webinar

This week, I was honored to host a session of the Council's United in Service & Support webinar series. Our session was focused on connecting residents with critical resources related to nonprofit services, unemployment benefits, and constituent support. 

I was proud to welcome Brigid Howe, Executive Director of Nonprofit Montgomery, who shared how local nonprofits continue to support our community through direct services and collaboration. We were also joined by Anne Marie Gunning and Ann Travis from the Maryland Department of Labor, who walked us through the latest on unemployment insurance and workforce re-entry programs. Kevin Mack from the office of Senator Angela Alsobrooks provided an overview of federal constituent services available to all residents and businesses.

Finally, I shared information about the constituent services our office provides on the local level – whether you’re navigating County systems, looking for resources, or need help resolving a conflict, we're here to assist. 

If you missed the webinar, a full recording and all reference materials are available on the Council’s website. Thank you again to all our panelists and community members who tuned in. Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe will host the next and final session on July 23, which will focus on workforce training and professional certification opportunities.

Looking Forward to Celebrate Damascus!

Celebrate Damascus 2025 graphic: "The Community That Cares"

I’m so looking forward to Celebrate Damascus 2025 with our community this weekend! This annual tradition is a special opportunity to honor the history, spirit, and neighborliness that makes Damascus such a unique and vibrant part of Montgomery County.

Celebrate Damascus is always a highlight of the summer. I hope to see many of you at the parade on Friday evening – please don’t hesitate to say hello!

In The Community...

Top left: Councilmember Luedtke with Police Chief Marc Yamada, 5th District Police Commander Brian Dillman, Montgomery Village Executive Vice President Mike Conroy at the July 4 celebration. Top right: Councilmember Luedtke shortly before performing the National Anthem for the Olney Cropdusters summer league game. Bottom left: Councilmember Luedtke alongside Delegate Wims at a presentation on the Automotive Career Pathways Program. Bottom right: Councilmember Luedtke and her dog, Scout, participating in the Montgomery Village July 4 parade.

Save the Date: Community Association Training

I’m excited to share that we're partnering with the Greater Olney Civic Association and the Commission on Common Ownership Communities (COCC) for a HOA training and networking event on Saturday, September 13 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Longwood Community Recreation Center. The training will help HOA leaders satisfy State-required HOA board training, include key updates and resources, and provide time to discuss what's going on in your neighborhood!

This will be a great opportunity for all community leaders, so look for more details soon and reach out to the Greater Olney Civic Association to RSVP or with questions.

Public Health Information

• Montgomery County is monitoring public health decisions being made at the federal level. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met recently to affirm their commitment to covering fall vaccines, ensuring patients aren’t left with unexpected costs. The American Medical Association and nearly 80 professional organizations issued a strong joint statement: They will continue to follow and promote evidence-based vaccine recommendations, regardless of political interference. 
• The African American Health Program is hosting a series of virtual mental health education sessions every Wednesday in July at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Topics include Minority Mental Health (7/2), Nutrition and Mental Health (7/9), Mental Health Treatment (7/16), Social Support (7/23), and the Connection between Chronic Disease and Mental Health (7/30).
• The Asian American Health Initiative is partnering with CaringMatters to host a workshop on grief navigation in Asian communities on Saturday, July 26 from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., at 518 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg.
• The Latino Health Initiative is partnering with Identity to offer free and bilingual, non-clinical and culturally appropriate emotional support groups called “Encuentros” for adolescents and adults. To participate, contact Luisa Mariño via email or by calling 240-364-4099.

CARE Program for MHAMD 

The Caregiver Advocacy and Resiliency Experience (CARE) Program, offered by the Mental Health Association of Maryland (MHAMD), is a free weekend event designed to support parents of children with mental health needs. Through interactive sessions, families will gain tools in leadership, advocacy, special education, self-care, and more. This program is a powerful way to build resilience and community. Located in Central Maryland, this event will take place on August 15. Make sure to apply by July 12! 

Maryland Senior Olympics

The Maryland Senior Olympics (MSO) provides people 50+ the motivation to increase strength, agility, and overall fitness. The 2025 Information and Registration Guide covers almost everything you need to know, including participation, age groups, rules, cost, and more. Registration for events is available here through MSO partner FUSE Sports. 

Join MCCAB! 

The Mid-County Advisory Board Accepting Applications (MCCAB) is currently accepting applications for new members! This is a great chance for residents to play an active role in shaping policies and advising the County Executive and County Council on key local issues. Apply here before July 23.

MCPD Is Hiring 

The Montgomery County Police Department is hiring 9-1-1 Specialists! Our amazing Emergency Communications Specialists are looking for more talented staff to improve public safety to serve our residents. Apply here. 

If you would like to get in touch with me, please email me at councilmember.luedtke@montgomerycountymd.gov or call my office at 240-777-7860.

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