 This week, the County Executive welcomed U.S. Rep. April McClain Delaney and members of the Women's Democratic Caucus as they toured the Upcounty Regional Services Center to emphasize the crucial services, such as food and health care assistance, that are now at risk due to potential federal funding cuts. He also spotlights some of the resources available to help those impacted by the federal shutdown. Marc also explains Eric's ID Law which allows residents with non-apparent disabilities to voluntarily add a discreet notation to their driver's license or ID card. And he focuses on newly enacted state laws to help the County's Vision Zero traffic safety plan.
County Executive Marc Elrich's next "Community Conversation" about the Fiscal Year 2027 budget will be for the East County community. It will be hosted by Chief Administrative Officer Rich Madaleno, and held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 6, in the Social Hall at the White Oak Community Recreation Center, located at 1700 April Lane in Silver Spring.
Please make plans to attend if you are interested in providing feedback about the County's next operating budget and how it pertains to residents or your neighborhood. This budget forum will also be broadcast on the County cable channel and streamed online on the County's Facebook and YouTube pages.
Montgomery County and state leaders gathered in Wheaton this week to highlight two laws that took effect on Oct. 1 for automated speed enforcement. Together, the enhanced penalties for dangerous speeders and focused enforcement on high-crash roadways contribute to the Vision Zero Plan to eliminate serious and fatal injury crashes.
County Executive Elrich is seeking applicants to fill seven public vacancies on the Criminal Justice Coordinating Commission, including one position for a member of the Maryland State Bar who practices law in Montgomery County.
The Commission evaluates local law enforcement for adequacy and its ability to administer justice in the County. Applicants of diverse backgrounds, professions, genders, geography, abilities, ethnicities, and ages are encouraged to apply.
The deadline for applications is Friday, Oct. 24.
The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) is proud to join the National Fire Protection Association in recognizing Fire Prevention Month throughout October.
This year’s national theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” which spotlights the growing number of lithium-ion batteries powering our daily lives. From smartphones and laptops to e-bikes, toys, and power tools, these batteries are convenient but can pose serious fire hazards if not used, charged, or disposed of properly.
 Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is offering free compost bins to residents and businesses to help reduce waste and naturally enrich soil. Composting yard trim, like grass clippings, leaves and garden prunings, supports the county’s zero-waste goals, and climate initiatives.
 Montgomery County’s Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) is holding a public hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 7 to gather input on community development needs such as housing, employment, health, and homelessness. Feedback from community members will be used to set priorities for the types of programs that will be funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program during the coming year. In 2024, the CDAC recommended funding for 18 nonprofit organizations estimated to serve around 14,000 low- and moderate-income County residents. For more information and to sign up to attend or speak, email cdbg@montgomerycountymd.gov.
 After a successful 2024 event that drew more than 4,000 attendees, Oktoberfest is back in 2025 as “October Fest”—a celebration of fall and Germantown’s rich cultural diversity. While honoring Oktoberfest traditions, this reimagined festival reflects strong community input and features expanded programming, inclusive activities, and festive fun for all ages.
 The 33rd annual Taste of Bethesda is Saturday, Oct. 4, from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature Bethesda’s best restaurants, four stages of live entertainment, activities for kids, and more! Please note that all ticket sales end at 3:30 p.m.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is experiencing a significant increase in ridership as it celebrates the one-year anniversary of the Great Seneca Transit Network (GSTN). The GTSN is an upgraded, express bus service operating along the Life Sciences Corridor in Gaithersburg.
The GSTN operates two Ride On extRa bus lines, designated as “Pink” and “Lime,” offering faster, more frequent service between the Shady Grove Metro Station and Traville Transit Center. The GSTN launched in September 2024, serving around 500 riders each weekday, a number that has since doubled to more than 1,000.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is hosting an in-person public meeting for the Veirs Mill Road Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at Albert Einstein High School in Kensington.
The Veirs Mill Road Flash BRT is a new rapid transit service connecting Wheaton and Rockville with twelve stations along Veirs Mill Road and MD 355. This service will offer faster, more reliable and frequent connections to housing, jobs, the MARC train, and the Metrorail Red Line.
 Starting January 1, 2026, Montgomery County’s new Bring Your Own Bag Law will take effect. This law increases the paper bag tax to 10 cents per bag and bans plastic carryout bags in some municipalities. Retailers will retain five cents from each carryout bag provided, while the other five cents goes to the County to support the County's Water Quality Protection Charge fund. Businesses that provide carryout bags will also be required to register with the County, post customer notices, and submit quarterly reporting and remittance of bag tax revenue.
 Montgomery County will join communities worldwide in celebrating Active Aging Week from Monday, Oct. 6, through Sunday, Oct. 12, as part of an international effort to promote the benefits of active, engaged, and healthy lifestyles for older adults. The week will kick off with a signature event, “Go, Grow and Get Active,” on Monday, Oct. 6, at the Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center, featuring health workshops, wellness activities, and a resource fair. The Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center is located at 13850 Travilah Road in Rockville. Registration is required for the signature event, and it can be completed online on the ActiveMontgomery website with the Special Event Code: R07107-150.
 Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis reaffirmed the County’s commitment to science-driven, transparent health guidance following recent shifts in national public health messaging. In remarks delivered during the County Executive’s Sept. 25 media briefing, Dr. Davis addressed concerns about vaccines, medication use during pregnancy, and experimental treatments, emphasizing that County health recommendations will remain grounded in evidence, not misinformation. She encouraged residents to consult medical professionals, follow trusted sources, and stay cautious of unproven therapies. “Our goal is to help families navigate complex health information with clarity, compassion, and evidence,” said Dr. Davis. A video of her full remarks is available on the Montgomery County Government’s YouTube channel.
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Halloween Eye Spy trains return to Wheaton Regional Park and Cabin John Regional Park on weekends in October. Each rider is given an “Eye Spy” card with seasonal items such as pumpkins, ghosts, and black cats to look for along the tracks during the ride. The train stations Día de los Trenes and Trainsylvania will be decked out in seasonal decor. Fun for all ages!
 Montgomery County is investing $2.3 million in the FY26 School-Based Food Assistance Grant Program to support children and families facing food insecurity. The funding, managed by the Office of Food Systems Resilience, will sustain food distribution at more than 60 Montgomery County Public Schools sites and expand services to 30 additional schools.
Thirteen community organizations will deliver the services, including Manna Food Center, The Upcounty Hub, So What Else, Nourish Now, and Nourishing Bethesda. Together, the programs are expected to reach more than 9,000 households with culturally relevant food offerings such as pre-packed produce boxes, family choice markets, and prepared meals tailored to dietary needs.
 Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) is seeing more families surrender pets due to financial hardship and recent layoffs. To help keep pets in their homes, MCASAC has expanded its resources.
 The Nadim Khan Memorial Homeless Resource Day will take place Thursday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg. The event is a one-day, one-stop opportunity for residents experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness, to access services, resources, and information.
Volunteers are needed to serve as guides, assist with registration, and help distribute food. Training will be provided both in-person and virtually. The deadline for registering is Friday, Oct. 24.
 Residents across the County are invited to take part in the 2025 “One Maryland One Book (OMOB)” program, a statewide reading initiative led by Maryland Humanities that encourages communities to read and discuss the same book. Montgomery County Public Libraries will offer free book giveaways, author events, and community conversations at library branches now through Jan. 31, 2026. As Maryland’s only statewide community reading program, OMOB fosters meaningful dialogue, learning, and connection through shared stories. The 2025 book selection is "Kin: Rooted in Hope" by Carole Boston Weatherford, with illustrations by Jeffery Boston Weatherford.
The new school year is in full swing, and Montgomery County Recreation is helping students stay active, social, and supported beyond the classroom.
The popular “Club Adventure” after-school program is available at 10 recreation centers across the County. Designed for elementary school students, the program offers a variety of supervised activities in a safe, welcoming environment. At just $75 per month, “Club Adventure” is an affordable, high-quality alternative to traditional daycare — led by a team of professional, caring staff. Register now through ActiveMONTGOMERY.
Also returning this fall is the “Kids Day Out” series, offering fun-filled, well-organized activities on select days when schools are closed. Held at several recreation centers, it’s a great option for families looking for structured programming during the school year.
 Montgomery Parks invites the community to join the activities at Wheaton Passport to Sports Day on Sunday, Oct. 12. A ticket will get you wristband and passport to attend events at the Wheaton Ice Arena, Wheaton Indoor Tennis, and Wheaton Sports Pavilion. Participants who fill their passports will be entered to win fun prizes. Each facility will have a schedule of events plus program information available. Fees include skate rental and tennis racquet use at the facility.
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