 This week, the County Executive focuses on an announcement by AstraZeneca, which will bring new jobs to Montgomery County. He delves into this week's finalization of the MCPS Capital Improvements Program budget request. The County Executive analyzes the latest on the University Boulevard Corridor Plan, discusses an affordable housing project underway in Wheaton aimed at helping seniors, and welcomes two new leaders who will help Montgomery County thrive. He also raises concerns about changes to the Clean Water Act and pays tribute to Maryland's retiring environmental champion, Paul Pinsky.
 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.
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Senator Angela Alsobrooks will host a Utilities and Internet Services Fair on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., bringing together providers from across the state to help residents with billing questions, affordability programs, and rate structures. The event will offer consumers direct access to representatives from utility and internet companies who can provide on-site assistance and resources. Space is limited, and residents are encouraged to RSVP in advance to secure a spot. The fair aims to connect residents with tools to manage costs and access essential services.
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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.
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Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest and most dangerous travel periods of the year, with increased traffic leading to a higher potential for crashes. Specifically, Thanksgiving Eve is known as one of the deadliest nights due to high alcohol consumption; from 2019-2023, 149 drunk drivers were involved in fatal crashes during this period. To stay safe, it is crucial to plan ahead and never drive impaired. If you drink, use a designated driver, public transit, or a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Programs like Wrap Soberride offer free holiday rides to prevent impaired driving. Visit SoberRide.com for information on ways to intervene if family or friends have had too much alcohol, and if you see a suspected drunk driver, call 9-1-1 immediately: it could save a life. Visit Montgomery County’s Safe Ride Home webpage for more resources.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich joined nonprofit housing developer Mission First Housing, and community leaders in Wheaton on Thursday for a “topping off” celebration to mark a significant milestone in the construction of a new, 90-unit senior housing development at 1910 University Boulevard. The affordable housing development, which received financing from the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) and from the State of Maryland, is being built on the former parking lot of the Har Tzeon–Agudath Achim synagogue.
 When you are out on the road driving, walking, or biking, be on the lookout for the wrapped Ride On bus that promotes the Department of Health and Human Services’ Aging and Disability Services information and assistance line (240-777-3000). The wrapped bus, along with bus shelter ads and television ads airing on cable, broadcast networks, and streaming channels, showcases the variety of resources available to older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their families residing in Montgomery County. The information and assistance line connects residents or their families with services such as home care, nutrition, and recreational activities, enabling them to Age Well, Together. For more information about the services the County offers, please call them at 240-777-3000.
 Montgomery County’s Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) and UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO are teaming up once again for the annual “Labor of Love” campaign benefiting the March of Dimes. Running from Nov. 23 through Dec. 31, the initiative invites customers at ABS retail stores to donate or round up their purchases to support programs improving maternal and infant health. Last year’s campaign raised more than $66,000, and this year’s goal is $90,000. County Executive Marc Elrich praised the partnership, noting that the effort has already raised more than $185,000 over the past three years to help families across the country.
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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.
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Montgomery County, Maryland, offers fantastic ice skating options for all ages and skill levels, making it a perfect winter activity for families. For those who enjoy the crisp winter air, there are two popular outdoor rinks: the Silver Spring Ice Skating Rink at Veterans' Plaza, opening next week, which is conveniently surrounded by restaurants and shops, and the Rockville Town Square ice rink, which boasts the title of the largest outdoor rink in the entire county, measuring 7,200 square feet. Visitors planning to skate at the outdoor venues should remember to reserve tickets online, as prices vary for walk-up purchases. Alternatively, Montgomery Parks provides two excellent year-round indoor facilities for enthusiasts: Cabin John Ice Rink and Wheaton Ice Arena. Both indoor locations offer extensive programs, including ice skating and hockey classes, camps, and special events, with Cabin John also featuring a cafe for warm drinks and food after a session on the ice.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is seeking up to 35 County high school students to serve as “Vision Zero Youth Ambassadors.” The project-based learning program teaches teens leadership skills, and outreach and engagement techniques to address traffic safety needs in their community. Applications are now being accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5.
 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 multiple people from one house of worship complete the survey by Monday, Nov. 24, than it not be attempted at all.
Ready to ditch the online cart? Montgomery County is bursting with festive markets! From one end of the County to the other, there are great markets where you'll find unique gifts for everyone on your list. Don't miss the chance to support local artisans and find just what you're looking for.
 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.
 The Montgomery County Council unanimously confirmed Jennifer Macedonia as the new Director of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Nominated by County Executive Marc Elrich, Macedonia brings over 30 years of experience in environmental policy, climate strategy, and clean energy, most recently serving as deputy assistant administrator at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A longtime County resident, she will oversee initiatives supporting Montgomery County’s Climate Action Plan, sustainability, and environmental resilience. Elrich praised her expertise and leadership, saying she will help translate climate policy into “real-world progress.”
 The Montgomery County Commission for Women is hosting free virtual seminars where local family law attorneys explain the process of separation and divorce in Maryland. Topics include dispute resolution, filing, divorce types, financial statements, alimony, property division, the attorney’s role, and protective orders. Sessions run from 7–8:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month through June 2026. The next class is Wednesday, Dec. 3.
 Montgomery County is offering free parking in all County-operated public garages and lots in downtown areas like Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Wheaton on two major shopping Saturdays to support local businesses. The free days are Saturday, November 29 (Small Business Saturday) and Saturday, December 20 (Super Saturday). County Executive Marc Elrich highlighted that this effort encourages residents to shop locally and boost the economy. Shoppers should be aware that while garage and lot parking is free, on-street meters will still be enforced to maintain access for businesses. For an alternative, MCDOT notes that all Ride On buses are currently zero-fare, providing another stress-free way to reach shopping destinations.
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The Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery Women are currently accepting nominations for the 2026 “Women Making History Award.” This annual award recognizes outstanding women who live or work in Montgomery County, including high school and college students, for their significant contributions to their profession and community. Nominees should exemplify dedication, unselfish leadership, inspiration, or support for positive social change. Recipients will be recognized during Women's History Month in March. The deadline to submit nominations online is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, December 5.
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Montgomery Parks’ new 18-hole disc golf course at Northwest Branch Recreational Park is already drawing strong interest from local players. Since its soft opening on Nov. 8, more than 100 rounds have been logged on UDisc, a popular app used by the disc golf community. The free course, located at 1313 Bonifant Road in Silver Spring, features two nine-hole loops designed for all skill levels. It is open daily during daylight hours, and players bring their own discs. Construction on additional amenities, including a shaded plaza, picnic tables, and restrooms, will begin this winter ahead of a grand opening in summer 2026.
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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.
 Montgomery County residents can give back to the planet this Thanksgiving—and all year long—by dropping off food scraps at select farmers markets. The County’s Department of Environmental Protection offers free food scraps recycling at the following markets: Bethesda Central (Sundays, 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m.), Downtown Silver Spring (Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.), and Olney Farmers and Artists Market (Sundays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.). Accepted items include fruit and vegetable peels, dairy, meat, bones, and even leftover cooked food. Composting helps reduce waste and supports the County’s zero-waste goals.
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