 This week, the County Executive addresses the aftermath of DC Water’s Potomac Interceptor break/spill and its impact on the Potomac River and nearby neighborhoods. He extends gratitude to the Council for approving the first TIF in the County’s history for the Viva White Oak project, which promises to transform East County. The County Executive emphasizes the significance of the grand opening of new laboratory and incubator spaces at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, exciting news for Arcellx, a former incubator participant, and a major update for the University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing, securing NIH funding to combat Alzheimer’s. The County Executive also discusses the incinerator, responds to car rallies, and highlights Consumer Protection Week and Women’s History Month.
Story Keys:
A new regulation approved by the Montgomery County Council on Tuesday requires multifamily rental building operators to develop and submit an Emergency Safety Plan (ESP) as part of their annual Fire Code Compliance (FCC) permit process. Under Executive Regulation 21-25, “Emergency Safety Plans for Multifamily Apartment Buildings,” the County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) will review and approve each plan to help strengthen building safety and emergency preparedness.
The law was prompted by the death of Melanie Diaz in 2023. She died while trying to escape a fire at the Arrive apartment building in Silver Spring. The high-rise did not have sprinklers at the time of her death, which fueled her family to advocate for improving fire safety within the County and State.
All commercial buildings and tenant spaces are required by Montgomery County law to have an FCC permit to ensure adherence to safety standards. The County Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, the County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and DPS worked together to develop a “Best Practices Guide” to help landlords and property managers create an ESP. The guide is posted on the DPS website.
Montgomery County is at a crossroads in determining how to manage trash and recycling in the years ahead. The County is evaluating options to modernize its solid waste management system, which could include significant changes such as closing the County’s Resource Recovery Facility in Dickerson. Decisions could affect solid waste fees, environmental justice, and greenhouse gas emissions. Join the County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) at an upcoming open house and share your feedback:
- Monday, March 2, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sidney Kramer Upcounty Regional Services Center 12900 Middlebrook Road, Germantown
- Wednesday, March 4, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Isiah “Ike” Leggett Executive Office Building Auditorium 101 Monroe Street, Rockville
- Thursday, March 5, 6 to 8:30 p.m. (Virtual)
Register for the virtual open house here.
 County residents are invited to attend a Ramadan Iftar Celebration on Tuesday, March 3 at 5 p.m. at the Isiah Leggett Executive Office Building cafeteria, located at 101 Monroe St. in Rockville.
The event is co-hosted by the County Executive’s Office of Community Partnerships and Office of Human Rights, the Montgomery County Muslim Foundation, and the Montgomery County Muslim Council.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, during which Muslims fast and observe other restraints during daylight hours. It is also a time of worship and contemplation when Muslims concentrate on their faith. Iftar is the evening meal when Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset. This year, the month of Ramadan began on the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 17, and will end on Thursday, March 19. More than one billion Muslims worldwide, including more than 70,000 Muslims in Montgomery County, observe Ramadan.
The Federal Government entered a partial shutdown on Feb. 14. This shutdown primarily affects employees of the Department of Homeland Security.
In response, the Moore-Miller administration, working closely with the Maryland Department of Labor, relaunched the Federal Shutdown Loan Program. This program is designed to provide financial relief to Marylanders who are federal workers in the form of loans to essential/excepted workers.
The portal is now open for applicant submissions.
Additional resources also exist, like unemployment insurance for furloughed workers, reemployment services, and job fairs.
There will be a free Virtual 50+ Employment Expo on Tuesday, March 10, starting at 10 a.m. At the Virtual 50+ Employment Expo, you can network with age-friendly area employers, receive valuable job search guidance, and learn about new tools and ways to search for employment opportunities.
Each expo features multiple employers seeking full-time and part-time help. Employers with at least three job openings can find their next hire at the expo. Registration is complimentary, and you may register for more than one expo at a time.
Though the expo is scheduled to end at 3 p.m., organizers may extend the end time to accommodate everyone who wants to participate.
Morning workshops:
- 10:15 to 11 a.m. Sell Yourself, While Looking for a Job? Angela Heath (TKC Incorporated).
- 11 to 11:45 a.m. Why the search box, NOT the job board, is the MOST useful LinkedIn feature for jobseekers. Dr. Elisse Barnes, JD, PhD (Certain Vintage Workforce Education, LLC).
In the afternoon, listen to area employers discuss their companies and available openings, and have your questions answered in the chat. You may join and exit as your schedule permits.
The next expo will be on Tuesday, May 19.
Montgomery County’s Asian Pacific American Advisory Group (APAAG) has released a new resource, the “Health Care Providers Handbook on Sikh Patients,” to help health care professionals provide compassionate, respectful, and culturally competent care to Sikh patients.
The handbook was adapted for local use from a publication developed by Queensland Health, Government of Australia. Sikhism is the world's fifth-largest religion, with an estimated 200,000 to 500,000 adherents in the United States. Approximately 10,000 Sikhs live in Montgomery County.
The handbook can be downloaded on the Asian American Health Initiative website. APAAG is developing a handbook on caring for Muslim patients, which is expected to be released in 2027.
Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS), in partnership with the Keeping It Safe (KIS) Coalition, is sponsoring two student contests to raise awareness about the risks of underage drinking and promote safe, alcohol-free celebrations during prom season. Winners will be recognized at a spring awards reception hosted by the KIS Coalition.
The Sober Vibes Essay Contest and the Keeping It Safe Student Video Contest are open to Montgomery County public and private school students. The deadline to submit entries is March 31. Contest guidelines and submission information are available on the KIS Coalition website.
 |
The Montgomery County Commission for Women, in partnership with Montgomery County Recreation and Montgomery County Public Libraries, is excited to announce that entries for the annual Girl Power Contest will be accepted March 1–31. Open to Montgomery County girls ages 5 and older, this year’s theme asks: Women past and present have shown incredible, real-life superpowers. Who inspires you—whether a historical figure, family member, neighbor, or advocate—and how did she use her powers to make a difference? Submissions can include short stories, drawings, songs, or any other creative outlet. Participants are encouraged to think big, get creative, and celebrate the strength and impact of women and girls. Winners will be invited to a special celebration in June.
 |
Montgomery County Recreation is collecting new and gently used dresses, suits, dry-cleaned shirts, shoes, ties, and accessories for its annual Prom Couture Closet giveaway event. Donations are being accepted through Saturday, March 21, at the Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center, located at 14906 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville. Drop off your donation during the center’s regular operating hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Special collection dates will also take place at the Germantown Community Recreation Center, located at 18905 Kingsview Road in Germantown, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, and at the Jane E. Lawton Community Recreation Center, located at 4301 Willow Lane in Chevy Chase, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 21.
For the last five years, community donations have helped local teenagers look and feel their best on prom night. Help give them more options as they "shop the racks" and choose a free prom dress or suit, shoes, and accessories at the Prom Couture Closet giveaway event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, at Praisner.
Black History Month concludes with a handful of events this weekend.
Highlights include the “Life at Dawn” Family Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, at Josiah Henson Museum and Park; and “Wood and Wine at Oakley Cabin” on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park, 3610 Brookeville Road in Olney. The Wood and Wine program is for adults ages 21 and older. Both are hosted by Montgomery Parks.
In Germantown, the Blackrock Center for the Arts is hosting a documentary about the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28.
Finally, don’t miss the Scotland Annual Black History Event from 2 – 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Bette Carol Thompson Scotland Neighborhood Recreation Center. The event features a museum-style exhibit and activities focused on the history of one of Montgomery County’s surviving Black communities.
 The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) will host a community forum from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Thursday, March 5, at the Rockville Memorial Library. The forum will be held in the second-floor meeting room of the library, located at 21 Maryland Ave. in Rockville.
This in-person event is designed to bring the community together for a facilitated, interactive discussion that prioritizes community dialogue and hearing directly from residents about consumer concerns impacting the County.
Advance registration is required by Monday, March 2.
Additionally, OCP will recognize National Consumer Protection Week from Sunday, March 1, through Saturday, March 7, with educational outreach and community engagement activities. Consumer protection awareness efforts will continue throughout March.
 Join the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Montgomery County (HCCMC) for the 2026 Maryland Contractor Summit. It is aimed at helping contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, architects, and engineers navigate challenges and accelerate growth. This year's theme is Building Resilience, Fueling Growth: Strategies for Thriving in Challenging Times.
If you're interested in learning more and purchasing tickets for the one-day event on Friday, March 6, at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, visit the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Montgomery County website.
 The Montgomery County Government and the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce will host the 51st Annual Public Safety Awards from 8 to 11 a.m. on Friday, March 13, at the Strathmore Music Center, 5301 Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda. The in-person celebration will recognize the dedication, bravery, and commitment of first responders and public safety professionals who serve and protect the community every day. Community members, and business leaders are invited to join in celebrating the individuals whose work helps keep Montgomery County safe.
 |
Montgomery County's 24-member Alcohol and Other Drug Addiction Advisory Council needs to fill 13 vacancies. Those chosen for an advisory role will reflect the geographic diversity of the County and also meet the specific needs of the Council. For example, one person must be a recovering alcoholic, one person must be a treatment professional, and one seat must be filled by a preventative care professional. Learn how to help on the Boards and Commissions website, https://cexbcc.montgomerycountymd.gov/board/4076
The application deadline is Friday, March 20.
 Montgomery County Community Action Agency’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) is offering free income tax preparation for households earning $69,000 or less. Appointments are available at multiple locations and virtually. Certified tax preparers will complete and file 2025 federal and state returns.
Appointments:
- Mondays: 2–8 p.m. – Casey Community Center, 810 S Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg.
- Tuesdays: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. & 2–8 p.m. – Community Action Agency, Rockville, 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 320, Rockville & TESS Center, 8703 Flower Ave, Silver Spring.
- Wednesdays: 12–8 p.m. – Community Action Agency, Rockville.
- Thursdays: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. – WorkSource Montgomery, 11510 Georgia Avenue, 3rd Floor, Wheaton & Community Action Agency, Rockville.
- Fridays: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. – Virtual appointments.
All VITA sites serve taxpayers filing with individual tax information numbers (ITINs). Staff can assist with ITIN applications at Community Action Agency VITA and CASA.
The AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center is proud to partner with Solas Nua to present the annual Capital Irish Film Festival. Solas Nua is Washington, D.C.’s premier contemporary Irish arts organization. For 20 years, this festival has celebrated the contemporary culture and rich heritage from across the island of Ireland on screen through film, documentary, and animation. The showcase is an opportunity to enjoy Irish culture through exclusive screenings that spotlight emerging voices and exceptional talent.
 Tickets are now on sale for Brookside Gardens’ seasonal butterfly exhibit, which begins April 1. Visitors are granted 20 minutes per ticket inside the South Conservatory of the Gardens, located at 1800 Glenallen Ave. in Wheaton. The exhibit operates from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
Visitors can experience hundreds of live butterflies from North America, Central America, South America, Africa, and Asia. They’ll get an up-close view as butterflies glide, swoop, and flutter among vibrant blooms.
Tickets must be purchased online. As tickets are limited, advanced purchase is recommended to ensure availability.
|
