 This week, County Executive Marc Elrich sent his FY27 operating budget recommendations to the County Council. His recommendations fully fund the amount MCPS requested. These recommendations also include revenue enhancements and fee adjustments to improve education outcomes, provide more affordable housing, enhance our transportation infrastructure, and maintain public safety priorities. Following an antisemitic attack at a synagogue in Bloomfield, Michigan, and the homicide of a war veteran and ROTC instructor at Old Dominion University, MCPD continues increased patrols and presence throughout the County. The County Executive also discusses his upcoming economic development trips to Taiwan and India to strengthen international business ties, praises Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service crews for the successful rescue of two construction workers in Bethesda, highlights small business investments announced with Gov. Wes Moore in Takoma Park and Long Branch, and raises concerns about a federal proposal affecting graduate nursing education.
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 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), Department of Police (MCPD), and Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) are urging residents who choose to celebrate with alcohol during the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day holiday to drink responsibly and to plan ahead for a safe ride home.
To help prevent death and injury that often accompany driving under the influence, MCPD is ramping up enforcement efforts, and MCDOT is providing safe ride resources for residents who will be celebrating with alcohol. Montgomery County businesses that sell or serve alcohol receive ongoing training from ABS to prevent the sale of alcohol to anyone who appears intoxicated or underage.
 The 2026 Women Making History Award is an annual recognition presented by the Montgomery County Commission for Women in partnership with Montgomery Women. The award honors exceptional women in the County who have made significant contributions to their professions and communities. They are women who are advocating for a more equitable and empowered future for all.
The honorees were nominated by their peers for their leadership, dedication, and impact in areas such as civic engagement, professional excellence, and social change.
DC Water will return to Montgomery County to provide a brief update on progress since its first community meeting and to gather additional comments and questions from residents. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, in the cafeteria of Walt Whitman High School, located at 7100 Whittier Blvd. in Bethesda.
The event will feature an open-house format with a shortened presentation to allow more time for questions and direct engagement with subject-matter experts stationed at information tables. Community members are asked to RSVP by emailing events@dcwater.com and indicating whether they plan to attend the Virginia or Maryland meeting. Residents may also submit questions in advance when sending their RSVP.
 The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) is urgently seeking public support as the shelter reaches critical capacity for large dogs. Adopters for large dogs are needed immediately to help relieve the space shortage, as dogs are arriving faster than staff and volunteers can safely place them and available kennels are extremely limited. Individuals interested in adopting are encouraged to visit the shelter during operating hours, Tuesday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The shelter, located at 7315 Muncaster Mill Road in Derwood, is closed on Monday.
More information about the adoption process is available on MCASAC website.
 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% 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.
 Join Rio Lakefront in partnership with the City of Gaithersburg for a full day of St. Patrick’s Day festivities on Saturday, March 14, at 9841 Washingtonian Blvd. 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 Lakefront shops and restaurants, plus live music and activities around the lakefront through 6 p.m.
 Montgomery Parks’ popular Acoustics and Ales series returns from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, with its annual St. Patrick’s Day-themed celebration at North Four Corners Local Park, located at 315 University Blvd. West in Silver Spring. The all-ages, outdoor event will feature live music by Irish Latin rock band La Unica. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from Anchor Bar, Palmetto Bay Cuisine, Maryland Brat & Butcher Co., Tacos El Pariente, Silver Branch Brewing, Denizens Brewing Co., and Third Hill Brewing. Attendees can enjoy shamrocks, shenanigans, and the festive atmosphere while celebrating St. Patrick’s Day early.
 The Montgomery County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council will host its seventh annual RespectFEST, a celebration aimed at raising awareness about teen dating violence.
The free in-person festival will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 15 at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center, located at 11701 Georgia Ave. in Wheaton. Students can earn three Student Service Learning (SSL) hours by participating in activities, which include free yoga, Bollywood Zumba, self-defense demonstrations, games, and student performances. Online activities will also be available until that day, allowing middle and high school students to earn an additional five SSL hours.
 Montgomery County Public Libraries is celebrating the 10th anniversary of MoComCon on Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21. 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!
 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.
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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 are open and will be accepted until March 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.
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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.
 Nominations are now open for the Montgomery Serves Awards, the County’s highest honor recognizing outstanding volunteerism. The annual awards celebrate individuals, businesses, and community groups that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to serving others through volunteer work. Residents are encouraged to nominate those who made a meaningful impact through volunteer service in 2025, as well as individuals aged 60 and older who have dedicated a lifetime to helping the community. Nominations must be submitted by Friday, April 3.
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Join the community on Monday, March 16 for Trivia Night at Seasons 52, sponsored by the Pike District Partnership.Bring friends or come solo for an evening of trivia featuring questions on pop culture, history, current events, and more. Guests can enjoy food and drink specials throughout the night while competing for prizes awarded to the winning team. The event is a great opportunity to meet neighbors, share some laughs, and spend a fun evening in the Pike District. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and trivia begins at 7 p.m. Spots are limited.
The latest episode of the “Spirited Discussions” podcast from Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Service (ABS) explores how changes in consumer habits and the marketplace are reshaping the spirits industry.
The episode, titled “Navigating Change in the Spirits Industry,” features ABS Director Kathie Durbin and Distilled Spirits Council of the United States President and CEO Chris Swonger, who join podcast host Jocelyn Rawat to discuss trends affecting the beverage alcohol industry.
The conversation examines how consumer preferences, global trade, and local policies affect product selection, pricing, and availability.
Montgomery County Recreation is collecting new and gently used dresses, suits, shirts, shoes, ties, and accessories for its annual Prom Couture Closet. Donations will be accepted through Saturday, March 21, at the Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center in Burtonsville during regular operating hours. Additional drop-off hours will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, at the Jane E. Lawton Community Recreation Center in Chevy Chase.
For the past five years, community donations have helped local teens look and feel their best on prom night. This year’s giveaway event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 4 at the Praisner Center.
Montgomery Parks’ popular Open Parkways program returned with extended hours as clocks sprang forward, providing safe, car-free spaces for the community to get outside, stay active, and enjoy longer days and warmer weather. The spring/summer schedule began last week, with Beach Drive open between Knowles Avenue and Cedar Lane, and Sligo Creek Parkway open between Old Carroll Avenue and Piney Branch Road from 9 a.m. Saturdays through 6 p.m. on Sundays. Sligo Creek Parkway between Forest Glen Road and University Boulevard West is also open Fridays from 9 a.m. through 6 p.m. on Sundays. Hours may vary on federal holidays. For the latest schedule, visit the www.montgomeryparks.org.
 The Transit Advisory Group is seeking new members who want to help improve transportation services and infrastructure in the community. The group encourages participation from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, noting that diversity and inclusion are key to achieving its goals. High school students, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and bilingual residents are especially encouraged to apply. The group meets three times per year, and members are asked to commit to serving for at least two years. Those interested in helping shape the future of transportation in the community are encouraged to apply.
 A new episode of “50+ in Montgomery County” is now available, featuring host Katie Smith in conversation with Wanneh A. Dixon, program manager with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. In the episode, Dixon discusses the African American Health Program (AAHP) and how it works to support healthier communities across Montgomery County through education, outreach, and wellness initiatives. To learn more about services and resources available for older adults in Montgomery County, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior.
 The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority will complete major construction on the Red Line from July 6 through Sept. 7. During this period, trains will not operate between the Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center, and Bethesda stations. Free shuttle buses will replace trains at the stations. Shuttle buses will run every five to eight minutes during Metrorail’s operating hours.
 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 Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) summer 2026 watershed restoration internships are now open. Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to projects that protect local streams, improve water quality, and support sustainable practices across the County. With flexible hours of 20 to 32 per week and exposure to professionals in engineering, biology, and environmental planning, interns can develop technical skills, gain practical experience, and make a meaningful impact on the environment.
The internship offers an hourly rate of $18.15 and is based at 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton. Applications are open to current college or graduate students, with preference given to Montgomery County residents, and must be submitted by March 31.
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