Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Building Community, One Bowl at a Time

Coop's Soups

What if something as simple as a shared meal could bring people together and combat loneliness in our community?

This story highlights Coop’s Soups, a local initiative owner Cristin Cooper built around connection, conversation, and community. What started as a small gathering has grown into a meaningful way to bring neighbors together — creating space for people to slow down, share a meal, and build relationships.

At its core, Coop’s Soups is about more than food. It’s about creating belonging — something we know is essential to strong, healthy communities. I was grateful for the chance to visit.

Take a moment to watch and reflect on the small ways we can all help build a more connected Montgomery County.

Reducing Red Tape

On March 24, 2026, Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe and Councilmembers Andrew Friedson and Dawn Luedtke present a proclamation recognizing National Agriculture Day.

On National Agriculture Day last month, we recognized the farmers who help define District 7 and sustain Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve. Shortly after, we took action to support them.

I co-led legislation to reduce unnecessary and burdensome regulations for our agricultural community.

Agricultural producers have been required to navigate a full commercial building permitting process for structures and improvements that are clearly agricultural in nature. This bill brings much-needed clarity and consistency — aligning the County’s building code with the existing Zoning Code and confirming that core farm operations are treated as agricultural uses.

Agriculture remains a vital part of our County’s economy and identity. By removing unnecessary barriers and streamlining the permitting process, this legislation helps ensure our farmers can continue to operate, grow, and remain viable for the next generation.

In The Community...

Top: Councilmember Luedtke attends the groundbreaking for the redevelopment of Lakeforest Mall. Middle Left: Councilmember Luedtke joins 480Cares, Representative April Delaney, and Councilmember Lisa Henderson at Montgomery Village Middle School to speak to students at Montgomery Village Middle School. Middle Right: Councilmember Luedtke at Councilmember Sayles' 4th Annual Women’s History Month celebration at Black Rock Center for the Arts. Bottom: Councilmember Luedtke attends the Free Community Wellness & Resource Fair to advocate for essential health services.

Olney Days...Back and Bigger Than Ever

Olney Days is back starting April 8 with a fundraiser to support local restaurants and April 24 with the first of many events — bringing the community together for fun, food, and local pride. This annual celebration features family-friendly activities, live entertainment, local vendors, and opportunities to connect with neighbors and community organizations. Residents are encouraged to come out, enjoy the festivities, and celebrate all that makes the Olney community so special. Check out the variety of events and activities available throughout April and into May. 

Free CPR and Naloxone Training – April 19

Montgomery County residents are invited to a free CPR and naloxone training on Saturday, April 19 from 1–3 p.m. at the Public Safety Training Academy in Gaithersburg. This hands-on session is open to ages 12 and up and will teach lifesaving CPR techniques and how to administer naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose. Trainings like this help equip our community with the tools to respond in critical moments—consider signing up and encouraging others to do the same

Spring Comes to the Agricultural History Farm Park – April 25–26

The Friends of the Agricultural History Farm Park are kicking off their spring event season with the annual Gas & Steam Engine Show in Derwood on April 25–26. This free, family-friendly event will feature antique tractors and steam engines, live music, craft vendors, farm animals, and interactive activities like pony rides and a kiddie tractor pull. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate Montgomery County’s agricultural heritage and enjoy a day outdoors with family and neighbors.

Free Sexual Violence Education Workshops

The Montgomery County Police Department is hosting free workshops in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month. These sessions are designed to help parents feel more confident having age-appropriate conversations with their children about body safety, boundaries, and protection. An English-language workshop will be held on April 17, with a Spanish-language session offered in May. Registration is required for both sessions—families are encouraged to sign up and take advantage of this important resource.

Multicultural Senior Services Fair

The Arc Montgomery County is hosting a Multicultural Senior Services Fair designed to connect older adults and caregivers with resources, services, and support in the community. Attendees can learn about available programs, engage with service providers, and access culturally responsive resources to support healthy and independent aging. Residents and families are encouraged to attend and explore what’s available.

Film Screening: Make a Circle – April 16

Join the Children’s Opportunity Alliance, MDNAEYC, and GatherRound for a screening of Make a Circle, a documentary exploring how we can shape the future of early care and education. The event will take place on Thursday, April 16 from 7–9 p.m. at the BlackRock Center for the Arts. Residents are encouraged to attend and engage in this important conversation.

Olney Fun Run Returns

The Greater Olney Civic Association (GOCA) is bringing back the Olney Fun Run at the Olney Farmers Market. This relaxed, self-paced 2-mile walk or run is perfect for all ages and starts and ends right at the market—making it easy to enjoy local vendors before or after. The run takes place on the first Sunday of each month at 11 a.m. Look for the green tent with the checkered flag to join in, and stick around for coffee and pastries from the market. A great way to get outside and connect with neighbors.

DancElation Festival at Sandy Spring Museum – April 18

Mayur Dance returns with its third annual DancElation festival, a free, multicultural celebration of dance featuring performances from five traditions: Odissi, Flamenco, Cumbia, Thai, and Irish dance. The event will take place on Saturday, April 18 from 12–2:30 p.m. at the Sandy Spring Museum, with a brief refreshment break midway through. This vibrant event highlights the richness of our community’s cultural traditions and offers a unique opportunity to experience and learn from diverse artistic expressions. Residents are encouraged to register and celebrate the arts.

Business Resilience Forum for Federal Contractors – April 30

Montgomery County, in partnership with Leadership Montgomery, is hosting the LEAD Forum: Business Resilience on Thursday, April 30 from 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Building. This one-day conference is designed to help local businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs navigate recent changes in federal contracting and funding, with expert speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities. Residents and business leaders are encouraged to attend and learn more about adapting to a shifting federal landscape.

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.

If you were forwarded this email and would like to subscribe to my newsletter, click the button below. I look forward to remaining in touch with you!