 This week, the County Executive addresses the fear and anxiety caused here at home by the war in Iran. He weighs in on the ICE Out Bill proposed by the County Council and highlights legitimate concerns about federal government delays in research grant funding. He reflects on a week filled with community meetings focused on moving toward a "zero waste" future. The County Executive introduces a website to share links with residents about the DC Water sewage overflow. He talks about the importance of the DPS Stakeholders Forum in Wheaton and a new Costco announced for the Viva White Oak development. He also joined Maryland Gov. Wes Moore in Takoma Park for a grand opening partially funded by state grant money. And discusses why efforts like "Read Across America" are so crucial to a child's success.
Story Keys:
 Montgomery County’s minimum wage will increase on July 1, as required by County law to keep pace with inflation. The new hourly rates will be $18.00 for large employers (51 or more employees), $16.50 for mid-size employers (11–50 employees), and $15.95 for small employers (10 or fewer employees). The adjustments are based on a 2.0 percent rise in the regional consumer price index.
These changes mean additional annual earnings for workers across all employer categories, thereby continuing the County’s commitment to fair pay and a stable, predictable wage structure.
 Montgomery County Public Libraries is celebrating the 10th anniversary of MoComCon this March! MoComCon is a free, family‑friendly celebration of comics, graphic novels, and all your favorite fandoms. Come celebrate a decade of creativity, cosplay, and community at MoComCon 2026!
Locations:
- Germantown Library, 19840 Century Blvd., Germantown
- BlackRock Center for the Arts, 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown
Schedule:
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Friday, March 20– BlackRock Center for the Arts 6–8 p.m. – Evening activities for teens and adults
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Saturday, March 21– Germantown Library 10 a.m.–4 p.m. – Kid and family‑friendly events
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Saturday, March 21– BlackRock Center for the Arts 10 a.m.–4 p.m. – Programs for teens and adults
 Montgomery County Public Schools’ Work-Based Learning Unit is excited to announce that Summer RISE 2026 Host Registration is open through Friday, March 13.
Summer RISE (Reimagining an Innovative Student Experience) provides rising MCPS juniors and seniors with 50 hours of hands-on, career-based learning over five weeks, from June 22 to July 24. Hosts may participate in person, virtually, or through a hybrid model.
By becoming a Summer RISE Host, organizations can:
- Connect with motivated youth;
- Strengthen their future talent pipeline;
- Support workforce development in Montgomery County; and
- Give back to the community.
 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.
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, including information about unemployment insurance for furloughed workers, reemployment services, and job fairs.
 Join Rio in partnership with the City of Gaithersburg for a full day of St. Patrick’s Day festivities on Saturday, March 14, at 9841 Washingtonian Boulevard in Gaithersburg.
The celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It includes the 24th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade along Grand Corner Avenue, featuring Celtic dancers, bagpipe bands, school groups, fire trucks, equestrian units, and community organizations.
After the parade, enjoy the Shamrock Sales Stroll, with one-day specials at participating Rio shops and restaurants, plus live music and activities around the lakefront through 6 p.m.
 The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services will host free student vaccination clinics during spring break, Monday, March 30 through Monday, April 6, to help families meet Maryland school immunization requirements and avoid potential exclusion from school. Free vaccines are available to all Montgomery County Public Schools students, regardless of insurance status, including required Tdap and meningococcal (MCV) vaccines for seventh graders, as well as HPV, MMR, varicella, meningococcal B, and COVID-19 vaccines. Parents and guardians should review their child’s immunization records and schedule an appointment.
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.
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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 Community Action Agency’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) continues to offer free income tax preparation for households earning $69,000 or less. Appointments are available at multiple locations, as well as 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. and 2–8 p.m. – Community Action Agency, Rockville, 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 320, Rockville, and at the 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, and at the Community Action Agency in Rockville.
- Fridays: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. – Virtual appointments.
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.
Montgomery County Water Quality Advisory Group has 15 vacancies. The group provides annual recommendations to the County Executive and County Council on the County’s water quality goals, policies, programs, and priorities.
Applicants from the academic and scientific, agricultural, business, and environmental communities are especially encouraged to apply, as are interested members of the public. Four current members are eligible for reappointment.
The application deadline is Monday, April 13.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will offer low-cost adult bike classes in April, May, and June, including nine Learn to Ride classes and one Basic Skills class. Two free, walk-up e-scooter classes will also be offered following select bike classes.
Advance registration is required for the bicycle classes. The cost is $10 for Montgomery County residents. There is no fee for members of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association or Capital Bikeshare for All; however, registration is still required.
The Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame will induct its Class of 2026 at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, at the Silver Spring Civic Building in Silver Spring. This year’s class includes five distinguished sports figures and, for the first time, a team—the Academy of the Holy Cross girls’ basketball team, which holds the County’s longest all-time winning streak in any sport. The ceremony is free and open to the public.
Montgomery County’s 24-member Alcohol and Other Drug Addiction Advisory Council has 13 vacancies to fill. Appointments will reflect the County’s geographic diversity and meet the Council’s specific role requirements. For example, one member must be a recovering alcoholic, one must be a treatment professional, and one must be a prevention professional. Learn how to apply to the Boards and Commissions by visiting its website.
 Tickets are now on sale for the seasonal butterfly exhibit at Brookside Gardens, opening April 1. Each ticket grants visitors 20 minutes inside the South Conservatory, located at 1800 Glenallen Ave. in Wheaton. The exhibit is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visitors can see hundreds of live butterflies from North America, Central America, South America, and Africa as they glide, swoop, and flutter among vibrant blooms.
Tickets must be purchased online, and advance purchase is recommended to ensure availability, as ticket quantities are limited.
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