 This week, the County Executive shines a spotlight on successful programs combating homelessness, which stand to lose a major source of funding due to forthcoming federal policy changes. He recaps the latest international journey and economic mission to China and Japan, shares the latest updates on SNAP benefits, and celebrates the 10-year anniversary of Montgomery County being designated as an age-friendly community. The County Executive also reminds everyone to recognize Veterans Day on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, along with the County’s regional services offices and community partners, is holding 12 "Community Conversations" through November to seek input on the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Operating Budget. The next conversation will be held for the Black and African American community at Mount Calvary Baptist Church.
 Montgomery County is here to help those affected by the federal government shutdown or disruption in SNAP benefits. While new SNAP applications will still be processed, no new benefits will be issued without additional federal funding.
 Clear out your closets just in time for the holidays and give your items away at the Share Fair at Black Hill Discovery Center from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 22. Have a coat you know someone will love but it’s just not right for you? Have a game your kids played when they were younger, but hasn’t been touched for years? Give your once-loved items a second life by participating in Montgomery Parks’ second-ever Share Fair. Items brought to the Share Fair should be clean, in usable condition, and have all parts.
 The Mobilize Montgomery Federal Workforce Career Center (FWCC) is now open for business. Funded by the Montgomery County Government, the FWCC is the first-of-its-kind center 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, this space will welcome displaced federal workers, contractors, and others navigating career transitions due to the ongoing federal workforce reductions. Montgomery County residents can benefit from federal resume and job placement assistance, career and entrepreneurial coaching, and professional development programs.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and members of the County Council will join the County Commission on Veterans Affairs and community leaders for MCDOT’s unveiling of the Ride On “Operation Green Light” themed bus at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 10. The ceremony to honor veterans will take place at Memorial Plaza, located at 101 Monroe St. in Rockville. Students from Richard Montgomery High School will perform the National Anthem.
Montgomery County will participate in the national Operation Green Light initiative through Tuesday, Nov.11, to honor veterans and raise awareness of available resources. Residents, businesses, and community organizations are encouraged to display green lights and attend local ceremonies.
The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will follow a holiday schedule and program changes for the observance of Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11. Visit the County website for a complete list of schedule changes.
 Be Climate Smart and save money. The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection and Montgomery Energy Connection offers tips for cutting your heating bills this winter. Did you know that 69% of Americans think about electricity usage mainly when paying their monthly electric bill? The way we use electricity impacts us every single day in so many ways. Unfortunately, according to this article, U.S. energy bills are soaring!!
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will begin its annual leaf vacuuming program on Monday, Nov. 10, continuing collections throughout December, in specified areas. There will be two collections scheduled within each collection district.
 The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Tobacco Community Grant program invites residents of all ages to join the Cancer and Tobacco Program Park Clean Up Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14, at the Matthew Henson Trail, located at 13421 Georgia Ave. in Silver Spring. In-person registration will begin at 10:30 a.m.
The Montgomery County Thanksgiving parade will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22 in downtown Silver Spring. From glittering floats and marching bands to 12-foot inflatable turkeys, and Santa Claus himself, this annual tradition promises a vibrant celebration for the whole family. The parade kicks off from Ellsworth Drive and Fenton St. and travels south on Georgia Ave., ending at Silver Spring Ave. Rain or shine, the Montgomery County Thanksgiving parade is the perfect way to usher in the holiday season.
 Montgomery County Recreation will open registration for its 2025-26 winter programs, classes and activities on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 6:30 a.m. for most programs and activities. Registration for all senior programs, including Bone Builders, will begin the same day at 9 a.m.
 There are currently four open positions on Montgomery County's Wheaton Urban District Advisory Committee. The County Executive seeks one person who represents a business that employs more than 10 people, one person from a business that employs fewer than 10 people, and two residents to round out the board.
 Anyone interested in the Dickerson community and environmental issues related to the area’s solid waste facilities is encouraged to apply for a spot in the Dickerson Area Facilities Implementation Group (DAFIG). Currently, there are eight vacancies.
 The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) invites the community to a special Confidential Paper Shredding & Recycling Event. Do you have old tax documents, bank statements, or other sensitive papers piling up? Bring them to this community drop-off event for secure, on-site shredding and eco-friendly recycling at no additional cost. It’s a great way to protect your personal information and help the planet.
 The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has released a new podcast episode, “Residential Demolition Permits,” which explains when demolition permits are required, how they are defined, and what to expect during the permitting process.
Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will host its inaugural Local Author Showcase from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22 at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center, located at 11701 Georgia Ave. in Wheaton. The free, family-friendly event will celebrate books, storytelling, and community while giving residents the chance to meet and connect with authors from across the County.
 The Montgomery County Commission on Remembrance and Reconciliation will host a community town hall at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center in Silver Spring. Part of the Beyond the Marker series—public programs focused on community-led healing and dialogue—the event will explore the question: “What does reconciliation mean to you?” The program features a panel discussion and breakout sessions, providing residents with an opportunity to help shape reconciliation efforts in Montgomery County. The event is free. Registration is encouraged. Please register online. Walk-ins welcome. Residents are also invited to complete a brief online survey to share their thoughts.
 Join the Montgomery County Commission for Women as local family law attorneys walk through the ins and outs of separation and divorce in Maryland. Topics include methods of dispute resolution, when and where to file, types of divorce and grounds, financial statements, alimony, property and equitable distribution, the role of the attorney, and domestic violence and protective orders. All classes are free and held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month through June 2026. The next class will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 3. Classes are free, but registration is required.
 Jobseekers aged 50 and older are invited to attend a free Virtual 50+ Employment Expo from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18. Connect with age-friendly employers, explore full- and part-time job opportunities, and gain valuable job search tips and tools. Registration is free and open to both jobseekers and employers. The next Expo will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
 The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) is accepting public comment on the draft Visualize 2050 Transportation Plan through Friday, Nov. 21.
Residents can review and comment on:
- The Visualize 2050 Plan
- The FY 2026–2029 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
- The Air Quality Conformity Analysis for both documents
Visit Visualize2050.org to review the plans and submit comments. The Get Involved page includes instructions, a PDF flyer, and a social media Ambassador Kit.
The TPB will also host a TIP Forum on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 5:30 p.m. (presentations begin at 6 p.m.). A virtual option will be available.
For questions, contact Rachel Beyerle at rbeyerle@mwcog.org or Laura Bachle at lbachle@mwcog.org.
 The Montgomery County SHIP will offer a free Medicare seminar on Tuesday, Nov. 18, to help residents understand their coverage options. The sessions will be led by the SHIP Director and will provide expert, unbiased guidance on enrollment, coverage choices, and how to avoid penalties.
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