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Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Save the Date: Public Safety Town Hall 

Derwood Public Safety Town Hall flier.

I'm excited to share that on Monday, September 29 at 7 PM, we'll be hosting a Public Safety Town Hall for the Derwood and Shady Grove community in partnership with the Westside at Shady Grove HOA. This event will take place at the Westside at Shady Grove Clubhouse (16210 Columbus Ave, Rockville) and is open to all community members. 

I’ll be joined by the 1st District Police Commander Jordan Satinsky, who will provide updates from Montgomery County Police and answer your questions directly. Together, we'll talk through public safety challenges and progress, share resources, and discuss how residents and law enforcement can continue working together to keep our neighborhoods safe. 

This meeting marks the first in a series of public safety town halls we’ll be holding across District 7. Each gathering will bring in public safety and community leaders to provide an opportunity for neighbors to raise questions and help shape how we address community safety. I hope you’ll join us for this important conversation in Derwood – and keep an eye out on my social media and future newsletters for announcements about upcoming town halls in your area.

Olney Community Building Update

Rendered image of the future Olney Community Building.

Earlier this year, in partnership with our District 14 State Delegation and leading community organizations,  we created the Olney Community Building Project in the capital budget. This allowed the County to purchase the vacant building at Spartan Road and Georgia Avenue for a long-needed and long-planned community civic space in Olney. As the County begins planning, community members will have opportunities to weigh in. Your ideas will help guide how this space serves Olney for years to come. 

Stay tuned for upcoming community meetings where you’ll be able to share your thoughts and help bring this project to life. I look forward to working together to create a gathering place that truly reflects and supports Olney, Brookeville, Sandy Spring, and Ashton.

Agriculture Thrives in MoCo!

Councilmembers Luedtke, Glass, Balcombe, and Sayles joined Council President Stewart in celebrating the Burnt Hill Farm ribbon cutting and presented a Council certificate to the Burnt Hill team.

Last Friday, I had the amazing opportunity to attend and celebrate the ribbon cutting at Burnt Hill Farm, a new and innovative agriculture-based business in the Ag Reserve. This is a valuable addition for our entire community and a great example of the kinds of innovative farm-based enterprises we want to see thrive here in Montgomery County. 

Over the past year, I’ve worked closely with Burnt Hill Farm and my Council colleagues to help them overcome regulatory hurdles and move their vision forward. Supporting our farmers and small business owners through these challenges is one of the most important parts of my job, because it ensures that the Agricultural Reserve continues to provide not only fresh, local products but also remains a viable place to operate for generations of agricultural producers to come.

I encourage you to visit and learn more about all of the amazing opportunities in our Reserve – and in doing so, support the future of local agriculture in Montgomery County.

In The Community...

Clean Water Montgomery Grant Program

Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection, in collaboration with the Chesapeake Bay Trust, has announced the Clean Water Montgomery Grant Program. This program aims to promote initiatives and projects which will improve water quality in Montgomery County’s local streams and waterways through public engagement, education, and on-the-ground restoration. 

Family Empowerment Resource Fair 

Montgomery College Rockville Campus is hosting a Family Empowerment Resource Fair on Saturday, September 27 to educate and connect individuals who care for children of all ages with the resources they need to be successful parents–and help them thrive in Montgomery County. 

Public Safety Fair! 

In recognition of National Preparedness Month, the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security will host the free “Ready Montgomery: Emergency Preparedness and Public Safety Fair” from 11 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, September 13 at Wheaton Local Park. The fair will feature a variety of activities and resources; make sure to join in.

Cost Sharing Capital Grants Opportunity

The Office of Grants Management is soliciting grant applications for the County’s FY 2026 Cost Sharing Capital Grants Grant Program - Stage Two from qualified nonprofit organizations seeking to implement capital projects that help provide access to resources, direct services, historical preservation, cultural enrichment, and/or other benefits to Montgomery County Residents. Eligible applicants who missed Stage One may still submit an application for this Grant Program.

Volunteer with Empowering the Ages

Empowering the Ages is seeking twenty additional volunteers aged 50+ to be paired with one preschooler and their family for two school years of fun, learning, and growth. Read books, play games, and build a bond that helps a child thrive in school and in life. Apply to volunteer or email to join an information session on September 9 or September 11 to learn more about this opportunity. 

Get Free Books from Dolly Parton! 

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Montgomery County is now open for new registrations! Parents with children up to 5 years old are encouraged to register their child to this book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books–no matter your family's income. Find out if you’re eligible!

New Maryland Medicaid Resources 

Maryland Medicaid has added a fact sheet with an overview outlining the impact on Maryland from the recent federal Medicaid reforms and a consumer facing FAQ about the new changes. 

Adult Bike Classes

MCDOT will continue its series to teach adults to ride bicycles! The classes are open to residents 18-and-over who have never ridden a bike or who want to refresh their skills. Bikes will be provided. Advanced registration is required to participate, and the cost is $10 for Montgomery County residents. 

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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