 This week, CAO Rich Madaleno conducts the weekly video while the County Executive returns from his economic mission to Asia. They discuss the recently passed County Values Act, which restricts ICE's access to County-owned properties and facilities. While MCPS is on spring break, they share great places to visit while the kids are out of school, and the cherry blossom season is in bloom. They also recognize March as Developmental Disabilities Month, update the community on a sewer main repair in Germantown, and highlight Women's History Month honorees.
Story Keys:
 Montgomery County recently recognized dozens of public safety professionals for their courage, leadership, and dedication in protecting the community during the 51st Annual Public Safety Awards ceremony. The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce cosponsored the event.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich joined County Councilmember Kate Stewart for the groundbreaking on Friday for NoBE II, an apartment building that will provide 268 affordable rental homes, alongside SGC Development Partners, LLC and other local and state officials. The new housing will be built near the North Bethesda Metro station and is supported by financing from the County and the state. The project is part of North Bethesda Market II, a transit-oriented mixed-use development within Montgomery County’s White Flint (Pike District) master plan.
 The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) will host a dog adoption special with $16 adoption fees on Saturday, March 28. The shelter is currently full, with many dogs in need of new homes. With reduced adoption fees, it is an ideal time for residents to consider adopting.
MCASAC is located at 7315 Muncaster Mill Road in Derwood, and the event is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adopters are encouraged to arrive at least one hour before closing.
Residents can view adoptable animals by visiting the shelter’s website or by visiting the facility during open hours.
The Montgomery County Commission for Women (CFW), in partnership with the Montgomery County Bar Association’s Family Law Section, hosts a free monthly virtual seminar, “Separation and Divorce: What Do I Need to Know?” designed to help residents understand the legal and practical aspects of separation and divorce in Maryland. The next session will take place on April 1, with sessions continuing the first Wednesday of each month through June from 7–8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Each session is led by family law attorneys practicing in Montgomery County and covers topics such as alimony, dispute resolution methods, financial statements, protective orders, property division, and when and where to file. A Zoom link will be provided upon registration online.
 Step into a world bursting with color and wonder and visit the Butterfly Experience at Brookside Gardens from Wednesday, April 1 through Labor Day.
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors to Brookside Gardens will be welcomed by a stunning display of live butterflies from the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Watch in awe as these beautiful insects flutter among vibrant flowers in the South Conservatory House. Join us to explore the amazing world of butterflies!
 The City of Gaithersburg will present its Second Annual Gaithersburg Film Festival, April 10 through 12. The film festival is a celebration of the City’s remarkable diversity and creativity. Recognized as one of the most diverse cities in the United States, Gaithersburg embraces cultures, identities, and perspectives from around the world—and this festival reflects that spirit by creating a platform for diverse creators and communities to share their stories, traditions, and artistic expressions through film.
Festivalgoers will enjoy an immersive and inspiring experience that celebrates the art of film, showcases the power of storytelling, and reflects the unique and vibrant diversity that defines Gaithersburg.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has announced the winners of its 2026 “Heads Up, Phones Down” teen video contest, an annual competition that empowers high school students to promote safer, distraction free travel. This year’s contest drew nearly 100 creative entries from public and private school students across the County, all aimed at encouraging peers to stay focused and put their phones away while driving or walking.
Julian Szell of John F. Kennedy High School was the grand prize individual winner with the message “One second can change everything. That text can wait.” Nubia Abatemam, Grace Mbonguy, Namibia Mustapha, and Grace Tawes of Richard Montgomery High School took the grand prize in the team category with the message “The Choice is Yours.”
 Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will host “Many Languages, One Library: Celebrating Hindi,” a free event to unveil a new Hindi-language book collection at the Germantown Library, located at 19840 Century Blvd. in Germantown.
The event will be held from 2–3 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, and it will celebrate the expansion of MCPL’s World Language collection to include more than 160 Hindi-language titles for children, teens, and adults.
For 75 years, MCPL has served as a trusted, welcoming, and inclusive hub, providing equitable access to information for all residents. With the generous support of the Balvihar Hindi School, part of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, the Desi Runners and Desi Walkers Community, and Senior Connection of Montgomery County, MCPL purchased more than 160 books to support Hindi-speaking children, families, and adults throughout the community.
 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.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill four public vacancies on the Animal Matters Hearing Board, though three incumbents are eligible to reapply.
The Animal Matters Hearing Board conducts hearings on appeals and complaints regarding animal nuisance, animal cruelty, and the declaration of a dog as dangerous.
The Board also advises the County Executive and County Council on how to improve animal control laws, regulations, and programs. Additionally, it proposes guidelines to maintain functional animal control facilities. There are seven members in the following categories: a representative of licensed animal fanciers, a representative of the County Humane Society, and five public members.
If you are interested, please apply by the deadline, Friday, April 17.
Residents, businesses, and visitors are invited to share their ideas and priorities for the future of the Wheaton Arts and Entertainment District by participating in a new public survey.
The survey is part of an ongoing effort to gather community input as Wheaton plans its next chapter as a vibrant arts and cultural destination. Feedback will help guide future programming, public space improvements, and investments that support artists, creative businesses, and the broader community.
Wheaton’s Arts and Entertainment District is known for its cultural diversity, locally owned businesses, and active public spaces. Community input will play a key role in shaping how the district continues to grow while maintaining its unique character. The survey is open through May 15 and takes only a few minutes to complete.
Every year, thieves use tax season as a reason to reach out to potential victims with promises of big returns, quick cash, or to steal their tax refund. They also know that some victims may be worried about the tax bill they owe and use that to threaten and intimidate victims.
If you get an unexpected call, email, or text claiming to be from the IRS—especially one demanding payment or personal information—it’s likely a scam.
The IRS will not call to threaten arrest or demand immediate payment. They will not ask for payments by wire transfer or prepaid card. When in doubt, hang up and contact the IRS directly at 1 800 829 1040.
Common Scams to Watch for:
- “You owe back taxes” phone calls.
- Fake IRS refund emails or texts.
- Requests to “verify” personal, payroll, or W-2 information.
- Threats that your Social Security number will be suspended.
How to verify an IRS Contact:
- Hang up and call the IRS directly at the official number: 1-800 829 1040.
- Check your online IRS account for any real notices or balances.
- Never use phone numbers given by the caller.
Free tax preparation assistance is available now through April 15 for low-to-moderate income Montgomery County taxpayers at multiple library locations.
Trained volunteers through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program will provide services if you make an appointment and bring the right information with you (i.e., Social Security cards for yourself and every individual on your return, a photo ID, all W-2s.)
Call 240-777-2577 with any questions or follow the link below to set an appointment.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation's (MCDOT) annual street sweeping program is set to begin the first week of April. This effort will run through July and staff will sweep 4,100 lane miles of residential roadways.
MCDOT will post “No Parking” signs a few days before sweeping operations. Cars will not be towed for this effort; however, residents are asked to assist in making sure streets are clear of cars, as street sweepers will not be able to return to re-sweep areas where cars were parked.
 The Wheaton Urban District is now accepting applications from restaurants, food vendors, artisans, and community exhibitors to participate in the 30th “Annual Taste of Wheaton: Maryland’s Culinary & Culture Festival.” The festival will take place on Sunday, June 7, at Marian Fryer Town Plaza, located at 2424 Reedie Drive in Wheaton.
Each year, the festival draws thousands of residents and visitors to experience Wheaton’s food scene through tastings from local restaurants, international cuisine, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
Links to applications in English and Spanish are available in the press release.
 The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Section encourages residents to reduce food waste by using free food scrap recycling drop-off bins available at select farmers markets in Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Olney.
The County estimates that approximately 92,300 tons of food scraps were disposed of in the trash last year. Through the “Food Is Too Good to Waste” campaign, residents are encouraged to prevent waste by donating excess edible food—such as prepared foods, produce, and shelf-stable items—to food recovery organizations, helping address food insecurity.
In addition, residents can recycle inedible food scraps at the FreshFarm Downtown Silver Spring market on Saturdays beginning at 9 a.m., and at the Bethesda Central Farm Market and Olney Farmers and Artists Market at 9 a.m. on Sundays.
Accepted items include fruit and vegetable scraps, cooked foods, dairy (cheese and yogurt), eggshells, meat, fish and bones, and coffee grounds and tea leaves (without filters).
 The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection will host the 13th annual Montgomery County Energy Summit on April 28–29 at the Silver Spring Civic Building. Centered on the theme “Elevating Building Performance,” the summit brings together building owners, property managers, and sustainability professionals for two days of learning, networking, and hands-on innovation.
Paula Glover, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, will deliver the keynote address on Wednesday, April 29. New this year, participants can also join “Let’s Decarbonize! A Hands-on Building Decarbonization Workshop!” where small groups work through real building scenarios to develop practical decarbonization strategies.
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