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Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Restoring Johnson’s Local Park — Honoring Emory Grove’s Legacy

Event marking new signboards and listening post part of historic commermoration of Johnson's Local Park. Via Montgomery Parks.

Johnson’s Local Park is a cornerstone of Emory Grove’s history.

For generations, it served as a gathering place for families, the setting for church events and camp meetings, and a famed baseball venue for local Black sandlot and Negro League teams.

On Sunday, members of the Emory Grove community joined at the park to celebrate new features commemorating this history. I met Arnetta James, pictured as a young child on the new signboard honoring the camp meeting site. There were many like her who provided their stories and memories of this historic African American community before urban renewal in the 1960s and 1970s forced many out. 

We’re working to fully restore Johnson’s Local Park according to its historic importance. Together with community leaders and State legislative partners, we're seeking to replace the current field with a lighted baseball field, dugouts, seating, and space for the community to gather for events. Johnson’s Local Park deserves to reflect the pride, resilience, and history of District 7. I will continue working with community leaders and Montgomery Parks to ensure we get this right.

Airpark Community Town Hall

Montgomery County Airpark

Many District 7 residents have raised questions and concerns about the Montgomery County Airpark – including concerns about safety, noise, and long-term planning. 

On March 24, the Airpark Community Advisory Committee will hold an important community town hall to hear directly from residents on the desire for updated voluntary flight procedures to mitigate noise and the overall operation of the Airpark. This is an opportunity to give your suggestions for improvements that the Committee will work on with the Montgomery County Revenue Authority that owns the Airpark. 

I encourage anyone interested in the future of the Airpark to sign up, show up, and make your voice heard.

The Trust Act is Now Law!

Councilmember Luedtke speaking at the TRUST Act bill signing.

Two weeks ago, the Trust Act was signed — reaffirming Montgomery County’s commitment to ensuring that all residents can live safely, with dignity, and without fear. This legislation sets clear boundaries between local government and federal immigration enforcement, while ensuring our policies are legally sound and enforceable.

Montgomery County has long been a welcoming community. The Trust Act reflects our values — and pairs them with action. As this law moves forward, my focus remains on making sure it is clear, defensible, and effectively implemented. Protecting our immigrant neighbors requires both strong principles and strong policy.

I’m proud to have supported this important step for our community.

In The Community...

Top Left: Councilmember Luedtke stops by Ivymount Resource Fair. Top Right: Connecting with neighbors and our dedicated Public Safety Officers at Olney Community Day. Bottom Left: Celebrating Read Across America Day by reading with an amazing group of students. Bottom Right (Top): Honoring Coach Harwood for his commitment to Montgomery County student-athletes. Bottom Right (Bottom): Sharing remarks at an Iftar celebration in observance of Ramadan at The Muslim Community Center.

Free Dental Clinic - April 17

Through the Mission of Mercy Dental Clinic, free extractions and fillings will be offered to adults (18+) on Friday, April 17 at the Universities at Shady Grove Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Building in Rockville (9631 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville). Registration is required (no walk-ins). After registering, Catholic Charities DC will call to schedule your appointment time. Parking is free.

New Local Food Aggregation Grant Launched 

Montgomery County has launched a new Local Food Aggregation Grant to help small farms connect with large buyers like schools, hospitals, and senior centers. This initiative aims to close the gap between growing demand for locally sourced food and the challenges small farms face meeting large purchasing requirements. With $550,000 available in initial funding, the program will support the development of facilities and infrastructure needed to aggregate, store, and distribute local products. This investment strengthens our regional food supply chain, supports local farmers, advances climate goals, and improves food security across Maryland.

Recruiting: The Black Motherhood Project 

The Black Motherhood Project is launching soon and is currently recruiting mothers to participate in this important program supporting Black maternal health and community. The initiative focuses on improving outcomes, building support networks, and centering the lived experiences of Black mothers.

Free Tax Help Available 

Need help filing you taxes? Montgomery County’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax preparation for eligible residents. Appointments are required. Find a location near you!

Senior Plant Tech Classes in Gaithersburg 

Older adults can take free technology classes at the Gaithersburg library through Senior Planet. Topics include smartphone basics, online safety, telehealth, and more. It’s a great way to build digital skills and stay connected. View the class schedule today!

Spring Programs at Montgomery County Recreation

Registration is now open for Montgomery County Recreation’s spring classes and camps. From youth sports and art programs to fitness classes for adults, there’s something for every age. Browse programs and sign up!

If you would like to get in touch with me, please email me at Councilmember.Luedtke@montgomerycountymd.gov or call my office at 240-777-7860.

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