This week, the County Executive discusses our workforce situation in the face of deep disruption from the federal government. He also emphasizes the importance of Community Conversations about the FY27 budget, which begin on Monday, and he celebrates new homeownership opportunities and the opening of the Moco Pride Center in Bethesda. He also reminds you that tomorrow is the Silver Spring Jazz Fest in Downtown Silver Spring. The County Executive also shares his memo that he sent to the County Council discussing land use and housing in general and the University Boulevard Corridor Plan in particular.
More than 160,000 students returned to school and the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) and the Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) are asking residents to plan extra travel time and be alert to school buses and children traveling to and from school. MCPD officers will be across the County focusing on dangerous driving behaviors around school zones. All school buses are equipped with cameras to catch and fine drivers illegally passing stopped school buses.
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The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is offering free back-to-school vaccinations for school-aged children from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade at multiple locations across the County through the end of September. These vaccinations are available at no cost to children who live in Montgomery County and are missing any required immunizations to attend school. Vaccination offerings include Tdap, Meningococcal (MCV4), Meningococcal B, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Varicella (chickenpox). There are four centers around the County to serve you by appointment.
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The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection and the Chesapeake Bay Trust, announced $900,000 in funding for local, community-driven initiatives to enhance water quality. Through the Clean Water Montgomery Grant Program, Montgomery County nonprofit organizations, including local watershed groups, homeowner and community associations, faith-based organizations, and service and civic groups, may be eligible for grants ranging from $40,000 to $100,000 to support projects to improve stream health and water quality.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, along with the County’s regional services offices and community partners, will host 12 "Community Conversations" from September through November to seek input on the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Operating Budget. The first conversation will be from 7-8:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8, in the East-West Room at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Office.
Montgomery County has announced the complete multi-stage schedule for the Silver Spring Jazz Festival, which will be held from 3-10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Veterans Plaza in the Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District. The festival, which is free to the public, will feature two stages with a wide range of jazz genres, including samba and Latin jazz, straight-ahead jazz, New Orleans-style jazz and elements of go-go, funk and jazz-influenced blues and folk. This year’s headliner is the renowned Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
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Join us from 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 7, for a free, family-friendly celebration of music, arts, and community. With seven stages of live performances, a juried craft show featuring local artisans, community tables, and the always-popular Children’s Nook, including a morning parade for the little ones! There’s truly something for everyone. Come explore, connect, and celebrate with neighbors at this beloved annual tradition. The festival runs rain or shine, so don’t miss out!
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The Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood will host "Bluegrass on the Farm" from noon-6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6. The event promises live music, talented artists and an unforgettable atmosphere, featuring top local bluegrass musicians. Located at 18400 Muncaster Road in Derwood, the Agricultural History Farm Park, with its lush green fields, trees and rustic farm buildings, provides the perfect backdrop for this bluegrass musical extravaganza. The event is rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, the bands will perform inside the large barn; however, no refunds will be issued.
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Celebrate our County’s incredible diversity at the free Friendship Picnic on Sunday, Sept. 14, noon–5 p.m. at Wheaton Regional Park (2000 Shorefield Rd.). Enjoy live music and dancing, face painting, a petting zoo, moon bounces, carousel and miniature train rides—plus free lunch options including traditional American, Kosher, Halal, and vegetarian meals. No registration needed; just bring family, friends, and an open heart. Small-group conversations will invite neighbors of all backgrounds to connect and discuss building a more peaceful, respectful community.
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection’s 2025 H2O Summit will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at M-NCPPC’s Wheaton Headquarters, 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton. Attendees can learn from experts, connect with others who share a passion for protecting water resources and explore innovative ways to make community waterways more resilient.
Jobseekers 50 and older are invited to a free virtual Employment Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Participants can network with age-friendly employers, receive job search guidance and learn about new tools and strategies for finding employment. Each expo features multiple employers with full-time and part-time openings. Employers with at least three positions to fill are also encouraged to participate. Registration is free, and attendees may register for more than one expo at a time.
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and Montgomery County Public Libraries is encouraging residents to discover all the benefits a free library card provides. With just one card, residents can access research databases, early literacy programs, workforce development resources, streaming services, and the new mobile app. Library cards also open the door to cultural passes, language-learning tools, and thousands of e-books and audiobooks. Sign up today to Read. Learn. Grow.
In recognition of National Preparedness Month in September, the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) will host a free Ready Montgomery: Emergency Preparedness and Public Safety Fair from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, at Wheaton Local Park. The park is located at 11729 Georgia Ave. in Silver Spring.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will offer low-cost adult bike classes and free e-scooter drop-in sessions throughout Sept., Oct. and Nov. The lineup includes 11 Learn to Ride classes, one Basic Skills class and two walk-up e-scooter classes. Bike classes are $10 for County residents and free for WABA and Capital Bikeshare for All members, though registration is required. Bikes and helmets are provided. Classes are open to adults 18 and older and fill up quickly. E-scooter classes will follow bike sessions on Sept. 7 and Nov. 2. No registration is needed for scooters—just bring a valid ID.
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The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is streamlining the permitting process for applying and renewing annual fire code compliance (FCC) permits online. In Montgomery County, all commercial buildings and tenant spaces are required by law to have an FCC permit from DPS to ensure they meet established safety standards. Commercial building owners and business operators are responsible for renewing their FCC permits each year. This includes all businesses, child care centers, group homes, health care facilities, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, retail, schools, and all other commercial buildings in Montgomery County.
Bethesda is a vibrant, growing community—but it lacks a dedicated indoor recreation space. A new civic and recreation center could provide a hub for health, youth activities, and community connections.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is hosting a series of public outreach events to provide information and gather feedback about a planned pilot program of a security robot in the Town Square Parking Garage in Silver Spring. The five-foot-tall security robot, named "Parker," is equipped with 360-degree security cameras and can navigate the garage’s parking decks using lidar, a sensor that detects objects in its path. MCDOT is planning a one-year pilot program to bolster the growing security effort that has been adding cameras to County parking garages over the last three years. The pilot program will help measure whether the robot’s presence deters crime.
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Maryland Restaurant Week will kick off its fifth year on Friday, Sept. 12, and run through Sunday, Sept. 21. For 10 days, restaurants across the state will offer special menus, discounts or seasonal fare for dine-in, curbside pickup or carryout. There are no course requirements, prix-fixe menus or entry fees for participating restaurants. The statewide event is presented by the Restaurant Association of Maryland and its sponsors.
Children and their families are invited to explore the science and art of gardening at Children’s Day from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at Brookside Gardens. Participants will rotate through outdoor activity stations designed to educate and entertain. Bring your friends and family. Picnics are allowed only during this special event. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Silver Spring Town Center Inc. will host the 12th Annual Harvest Moon Festival from 1-7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21, at Veterans Plaza in downtown Silver Spring. The event will feature live entertainment, cultural performances and seasonal festivities. The event is free.
Do you have an unused bike collecting dust in your garage? Montgomery County is making it easy to put it to good use. Donating your bike can give someone in our community access to safe and reliable transportation for work, school, or daily errands. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s annual Bicycle Donation Drive is coming up, and your contribution can make a real difference.
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