 This week, the County Executive analyzes the end of the federal shutdown and its impact on food assistance and health care. He announces the expansion of the "MC Groceries" program, which helps families that fall into the 'SNAP gap.' The County Executive promotes the final two Community Conversations on the FY27 operating budget next week. He also shares his concerns about the University Boulevard Corridor Plan that was approved by the Planning, Housing, and Parks committee and goes to the full Council for review. He promotes this weekend's paper shredding and recycling event in Rockville and previews next Saturday's Thanksgiving Parade. He salutes the veterans who are highlighted through Operation Green Light around the County.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, County Council President Kate Stewart, Councilmembers Sidney Katz and Dawn Luedtke, and Montgomery County Department of Transportation Director Chris Conklin joined the County Commission on Veterans Affairs and community leaders on Monday in Rockville for the unveiling of the Ride On “Operation Green Light” themed bus at a ceremony to honor veterans.
 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.
Bring the whole family for an afternoon of STEM exploration with exhibitors from around the region. This event is free and open to all ages with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math-based demonstrations. An RSVP is not required but is suggested by the Rockville Science Center at 36C Maryland Ave. The event will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15.
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This month marks 10 years since Montgomery County joined the World Health Organization and AARP’s Age-Friendly Communities Network, and County officials want to better understand the needs of older residents now and into the future. Older adult residents are invited to attend an upcoming listening session to share ideas for an age-friendly future or to complete the online Age-Friendly Community Needs Assessment. Resident input is crucial for guiding changes to public spaces, policies, and programs. There is one virtual and four in-person meetings scheduled early next month to gather feedback. The deadline for participating in the survey is Sunday, Dec. 14.
Native Project Runway Event Part of KID Museum’s Celebration of Native American Heritage Month
Throughout the month of November, the KID Museum in Bethesda will honor and celebrate Native American innovators both past and present. Join them every Sunday of the month for hands-on activities, exciting performances, and fun workshops with visiting artists, computer scientists, and makers. This Sunday, Nov. 16, the focus will be on fashion, confidence, and Mother Earth with Native Project Runway from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., followed by a Native Maker Market from 3:30 – 4 p.m.
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 Montgomery County’s Faith Community Advisory Group is conducting a survey that will help us update our maps and resources with the most accurate information about our faith communities. Your answers will help us keep our records current and strengthen community connections. You do not need to be clergy or higher leadership to fill out this survey. We ask that it is filled out by someone who has a strong understanding of the house of worship and would rather have multiple people from one house of worship complete the survey by Monday, Nov. 24, than it not be attempted at all.
 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. Explore the entire list of available programs in the digital Winter GUIDE.
 The SHIP office in Montgomery County will offer one more Medicare seminar to help residents understand their coverage options. The session will be led by the SHIP Director and will provide expert, unbiased guidance on enrollment, coverage choices, and how to avoid penalties. That session is being held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the Wheaton Library on 11701 Georgia Ave.
No registration is required. For more information, visit medicareabcd.org/events/list.
Montgomery County SHIP is a federally funded program that provides free Medicare counseling to beneficiaries, families, and caregivers. Contact SHIP at 301-255-4250 or SHIP@AccessJCA.org.
Join the MoCo Pride Center, Live In Your Truth, and Trans Maryland for a powerful Trans Day of Remembrance and Resilience ceremony. The event allows allies to honor the memories of transgender people in our community whose lives were lost in acts of violence this year and reinforces the importance of protecting the transgender community. Join the remembrance and resilience program starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Bethesda Chevy Chase Regional Services Center located at 4805 Edgemoor Lane.
 Everyone loves a parade, and this year’s Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade, to be held on Saturday, Nov. 22, will feature more units than ever before when it steps off at 10 a.m. in the Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District. The annual parade begins at Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street, proceeding south on Georgia Avenue to Silver Spring Avenue. 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. Rain or shine, the Montgomery County Thanksgiving parade is the perfect way to usher in the holiday season.
 Clear out your closets just in time for the holidays and give your items away at the Share Fair at Black Hill Discovery Center in Boyds 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.
Attendees interested in “shopping” but not bringing their own goods do not need to register.
 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.
 Seneca Creek State Park is known for its annual Winter Lights Display. This year, it is opening the experience up to families and their dogs. The City of Gaithersburg is behind this special event, which offers a 1-mile or 3-mile hike that will help you experience hundreds of holiday light displays up close. Gates will be open at 6 p.m., Monday, Nov. 24, with the last admission at 8.
 The Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery Women are now accepting nominations for the 2026 “Women Making History Award.” This annual award recognizes outstanding women in Montgomery County who make significant contributions to their profession and to the community. Nominees must either reside in Montgomery County or work in the County. High school seniors and college students are also eligible for nomination. The submission deadline is Friday, Dec. 5.
Applicants are needed for three current vacancies on the County's Domestic Violence Coordinating Council. There are specific requirements of the board needed to fill these positions. They call for one representative from a non-governmental domestic violence service or advocacy organization serving County residents, one public member with a demonstrated interest in domestic violence issues, and one high school student who must reside in the County when initially appointed.
The Council comprises a diverse group of residents and government leaders who coordinate efforts related to domestic violence prevention, intervention, treatment, law enforcement, prosecution, correction, and victim advocacy.
The deadline for applications is Monday, Nov. 24.
 County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill one vacancy on the Board of License Commissioners. The Board consists of five members, and not more than three may be from the same political party. Therefore, a non-Democratic Party-affiliated member is needed to fill out the liquor board. Anyone applying must be a registered voter within the County.
The Board is responsible for issuing alcoholic beverage licenses and enforcing the alcoholic beverage laws of the State of Maryland and Montgomery County.
The application deadline is Friday, Dec. 5.
 Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services has released the twelfth episode of its podcast series "Spirited Discussions." This episode features perspectives from industry experts on national alcohol trends and innovations. It also highlights the unique offerings of states that manage their own alcohol beverage systems. The episode was recorded at the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association Conference.
The podcast helps residents and businesses better understand alcohol products, industry trends, and policies in Montgomery County.
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 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.
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