County Executive Marc Elrich discusses MCPS Superintendent Dr. Taylor’s proposed Capital Improvements Program budget and explains how the County’s bonding limits and borrowing capacity affect its ability to fund needed school and infrastructure projects. He also addresses major federal funding cuts at the Department of Housing and Urban Development that will significantly affect local housing services and weaken Fair Housing enforcement efforts. October is a month of important awareness campaigns—Fire Prevention, Domestic Violence, and Breast Cancer Awareness—and Marc shares tips, resources, and activities to support each. He also reflects on Italian American Heritage Month, the conclusion of Hispanic Heritage Month, and next week’s Diwali celebration.
The Mobilize Montgomery Federal Workforce Career Center (FWCC) is now open to serve displaced federal workers. Funded by the County, the FWCC is the first-of-its-kind physical location in the United States dedicated to supporting displaced federal workers through personalized services and programs. Located within the Wheaton American Job Center at 11510 Georgia Avenue in Wheaton, the space will welcome displaced federal workers, contractors, and others navigating career transitions due to the ongoing federal workforce reductions. Montgomery County residents will be able to benefit from federal resume and job placement assistance, career and entrepreneurial coaching, and professional development programs.
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The Montgomery County History Conference will take place on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Montgomery College’s Germantown Campus. Hosted by Montgomery History, this year’s event celebrates 250 years of Montgomery County’s history with a keynote by local historian Ralph Buglass, breakout sessions, and a closing panel, Montgomery County at 250: Looking Back to Move Forward.
Breakout sessions will explore topics including student activism during the Vietnam era, the creation of the Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit program, the fair housing and conservation movements, elected women of color in County leadership, and the early slave trade in Montgomery County.
 Montgomery County is recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a series of outreach efforts led by the County’s Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (DVCC). As part of the campaign, posters will be displayed in area Metro stations and across social media to raise awareness about how community members can support victims of intimate partner violence. The DVCC is providing guidance for those concerned about a family member, friend, neighbor, co-worker, or even a stranger in a public setting. In honor of the month, the County Executive and County Council will present a proclamation on Tuesday, Oct. 21.
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The Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery County Public Libraries will host a Financial Health and Wellness Series to help residents take charge of their financial futures on Tuesdays. The free, four-part virtual series will feature financial experts Jamie Lapin and Thiago Glieger, who will cover topics ranging from basic financial planning to retirement, federal employee benefits, and managing finances after divorce. Sessions will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Participants can register online to receive the event link. The series includes Retirement Planning on Oct. 21, Planning to Leave Federal Service on Oct. 28, and Divorce and Money on Nov. 4.
 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 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at Albert Einstein High School in Kensington. A presentation will begin at 7 p.m. and will be offered in both English and Spanish through simultaneous translation. Meeting materials will be posted on the project website. Videos on specific improvements and resident impacts from the Veirs Mill Flash project have been published in English and Spanish. 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.
This month on 50+ in Montgomery County, join host Katie Smith as she sits down with Montgomery County Fire Chief Corey Smedley and retired Battalion Chief Jim Resnick for a timely and eye-opening discussion on fire prevention and safety with critical information for older adults. This episode highlights the growing dangers of lithium-ion batteries, safe use of space heaters, and the importance of working smoke alarms. You’ll also learn about the File of Life, how to safely dispose of batteries, and free resources like home safety checks available through 311.
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Montgomery County officials will host a project update on the planned "Diversion Center" at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, in the Leggett Executive Office Building (LEOB) auditorium in Rockville. The meeting will also be accessible virtually via Microsoft TEAMS at Diversion Center Project Update. The center, which will be located on Seven Locks Road in Rockville, will treat individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. The LEOB is located at 101 Monroe St. in Rockville. The auditorium is on the lobby level of the building.
 Get ready for some not-too-spooky fun this Halloween season with Montgomery Parks’ Boo! Spooktacular lineup of family-friendly events across the County. From train rides through “Trainsylvania” to costume skates, campfire stories, and glowing luminary hikes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Create magical memories while celebrating fall in the parks you love.
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The Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office is hosting its annual “Speak Up, Save a Life” student public service announcement video contest to raise awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse, overdose, and fentanyl use among teens. The contest honors the memory of two Montgomery County residents, Michael Pisarra and Matthew Loudon, whose lives were lost to illicit fentanyl. Middle and high school students living in or attending school in Montgomery County are invited to submit original videos till Sunday, Dec. 7. Winners will be announced at the “Save a Student Summit” on Jan. 31, 2026. Prizes include $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place, and $1,000 each for third place and the fan favorite, with additional monetary awards for Honorable Mentions. Montgomery County Public Schools students who submit qualifying entries will also earn 10 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours.
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Tickets are now available for Brookside Gardens’ annual Garden of Lights, returning Nov. 21, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026. The beloved winter tradition transforms the 50-acre Wheaton gardens into a glowing wonderland with more than one million twinkling lights along a half-mile outdoor trail. The Brookside Gardens Gift Shop will be open for seasonal finds, and Catalyst Hot Dogs will serve food onsite throughout the season. Timed-entry tickets are required for guests ages five and older. The event is rain or shine, so bundle up and enjoy the magic!
 Registration is underway for Montgomery County Recreation’s winter youth basketball programs. These exciting leagues and clinics provide a fun, supportive environment where young athletes of all skill levels in grades K–12 can sharpen their basketball skills while learning teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship and staying active. Register online at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org.
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The Rockville Antique and Classic Car Show, a city tradition for more than 60 years, will return to Rockville Civic Center Park from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18. The free event, held at 603 Edmonston Drive, features vehicles from 33 car clubs, including Packard, Plymouth, Fiat, and Ferrari. Set against the scenic backdrop of the historic Glenview Mansion, the show offers a fall setting for collectors and enthusiasts to share memories and admire classic cars. One of the oldest and largest shows of its kind in the mid-Atlantic region, the event also includes a car-related flea market, car sales area, and live music by Karl Stoll and the Danger Zone.
 Join the Montgomery County Racial Equity and Social Justice Advisory Committee for a Racial Equity and Social Justice Town Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Mid-County Regional Service Center in Wheaton. Hear from national speakers, engage in small-group discussions on key community issues, explore community group exhibits, and access free health screenings. All are welcome: advance registration encouraged!
 Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will bring back Monster Flash, a haunted house-themed bus, for three Halloween events on Saturday, Oct. 25, and Sunday, Oct. 26. Residents can view the decorated Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus and learn about the planned Flash Bus Rapid Transit Network at Twinbrook Library in Rockville from 10 a.m. to noon, the Germantown Library from 2 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 25, and at HalloWheaton in Wheaton from noon to 4 p.m. on Oct. 26. Flash buses currently operate along Colesville Road/Columbia Pike (U.S. 29) between the Silver Spring Transit Center and Briggs Chaney, and to Burtonsville during weekday rush hours, offering service every seven to 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends. MCDOT is expanding the Flash BRT network to provide faster, high-frequency service and improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. Utility relocation on the Veirs Mill Road corridor began recently, with service expected to start in 2028.
 Celebrate the season at the Barks & Brews Fall Festival, a free event packed with food, music and Halloween fun from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. Dress up your dog—and yourself—for the Costume Parade and Contest, with prizes awarded for the best looks. Enjoy Venezuelan arepas from Arepateca and smoky pit-style favorites from Hardy’s BBQ. Sip local craft beer from 7 Locks Brewing or Maryland-grown wine from Mazzaroth Vineyard. Families can enjoy a moon bounce, lawn games, and treats for pups, all in support of Hero Dogs, a nonprofit that provides service dogs to veterans and first responders at no cost. Live entertainment includes soulful R&B and jazz from Cecily Bumbray and high-energy Latin beats from DJ Victor of All Out Danza. As night falls, bring a blanket and settle in for a screening of the Halloween favorite Hotel Transylvania.
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Join the Wheaton Arts and Entertainment District for HalloWheaton, a festive fall celebration packed with family-friendly fun. The event will take place from 12 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26 at Marian Fryer Town Plaza, 2424 Reedie Dr., with a costume contest for kids at 2 p.m. Enjoy free activities including s’mores roasting, pumpkin decorating, Halloween crafts, face-painting, photo ops, and more. Adults can relax in the beer garden, warm up by the fire pits, play yard games, and explore the zombie trailer.
Montgomery County Public Libraries invites expectant parents and parents or guardians of newborns up to four months old to join Hatchlings, a three-part series that uses music, books, and play to support early development. Parents will learn simple songs, rhymes, and activities to enjoy with their babies from birth. Each family will receive a free tote bag with a book, toys, and a songbook. Register now for the October and November Hatchlings sessions.
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