 This week, the County Executive makes another argument for the adoption of his recommended budget highlighting how we need to honor employee compensation agreements, fully fund schools, and honestly address our revenue challenges. The elimination of key tax credits as proposed by the Council president would actually leave working families and homeowners worse off despite being framed as tax relief. He also highlights the County's new website, discusses some key arrests tied to car rallies in our community, and promotes GreenFest as we near the end of Earth Month. He thanks library staff for their work to meet the needs of County residents and brings awareness to importance of work zone safety on our roads.
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Taste of Burtonsville Postponed
The Taste of Burtonsville scheduled for Saturday, April 25 has been postponed due to the weekend weather forecast calling for rain. Updated information will be shared when it is available.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Natali Fani- González have announced $1.2 million in Fiscal Year 2026 Nonprofit Security Grant Program awarded more than 90 organizations across Montgomery County.
The grants were administered by the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS). They are awarded to nonprofit and faith-based organizations that have experienced or are at high risk of experiencing hate crimes. Funds can be used for security personnel, security assessments and planning, training, drills, and security cameras, including devices that integrate with the Montgomery County Police Department's real-time crime center.
Montgomery County Government launched a new, refreshed website designed to make it easier for residents, businesses, and visitors to find the information they need. The redesigned site features a modern look, simpler navigation, improved search, and enhanced accessibility across all departments. As part of the County’s Web 2.0 Redesign Project, the new site also introduces upgraded technology, faster performance, and multilingual support.
 Join the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for the 11th annual Montgomery County GreenFest, happening from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts, located at 19830 Century Blvd. in Germantown.
This free, family‑friendly festival is packed with activities and inspiration for all ages. Explore electric vehicles, pick up a free tree, enjoy local food trucks, and take part in face painting, games, live music, and more. New this year are the Mending Lab and Scrap Happy Art Supply Thrift. Bring your small sewing projects for mending and drop off gently used art supplies, fabric, yarn, and vintage items to be repurposed.
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The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has an urgent need for platelet donors to support patients at the NIH Clinical Center, particularly as summer travel and family commitments reduce donor availability. Platelets are essential for patients undergoing cancer treatment, surgeries, and treatment for serious illnesses, and must be replenished continuously due to a shelf life of only five days. Individuals are encouraged to schedule a platelet donation this week by calling 301-496-4321 or email nihplatelets@cc.nih.gov. Donations play a critical role in providing lifesaving care to patients in need.
 Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) hosts a free Spring Forum, “Help for Recovery thru Connection,” from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 30, at the Bauer Drive Recreation Center in Rockville. This public event offers practical tools to navigate conversations around mental health and substance use, connects residents with local resources and teaches participants how to support loved ones through prevention, crisis, and recovery.
The annual forum targets both teen and adults and features discussions on accessing County services and family support systems. A resource fair featuring local mental health and substance use organizations remains open throughout the event, beginning at 6 p.m.
Students earn up to 2.0 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for attending the entire event. Verification requires a parent or guardian consent form, student ID, grade, and school name. Social workers earn up to 1.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). The event requires advance registration.
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WSSC Water will host two “Here to Help, In Your Community” events. A meeting is scheduled to take place in Montgomery County from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, at Montgomery Village Middle School, 19300 Watkins Mill Road in Montgomery Village. The other event will be in Prince George’s County. The event will offer customers the opportunity to receive personalized, one-on-one support, including reviewing bills and usage, learning about financial assistance programs, and exploring ways to save water and money by detecting toilet leaks using a clear toilet with a digital cost tracker. Attendees also can learn about opportunities at WSSC Water, and construction projects in their neighborhoods. Pizza and cupcakes will be served to commemorate WSSC Water’s 108th birthday. RSVP is optional but encouraged to help organizers provide the most helpful information.
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Montgomery Parks will host the third annual Sligo Creek Fest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, along Sligo Creek Parkway between University Boulevard and Dennis Avenue in Silver Spring. The free event will feature live music on three stages, including performances by Dupont Brass and Capital Effect, as well as a children’s stage with family favorites Rocknoceros and Culture Queen. Attendees can also enjoy nature and kids’ activities, inflatable games, and a variety of local food and brewery options. Roving entertainers, including hula hoopers, stilt walkers, living statues, and Double Dutch jump ropers, will appear throughout the festival. Visitors are encouraged to walk or bike to Sligo Creek Fest. Bike valet parking will be available. The event is ADA accessible.
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The Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships (OCP) and the Asian American Health Initiative (AAHI) will host the fifth annual Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, at Seneca Valley High School, located at 19401 Crystal Rock Drive in Germantown. The 2026 event has been planned with assistance from 18 local nonprofits serving the AAPI community.
This free, family-friendly event is open to the public. Registration is not required.
 Montgomery County is accepting nominations for the 2026 African American Living Legends Award, which recognizes African American older residents who have dedicated their lives to service, leadership, and strengthening the community.
County Executive Marc Elrich will host the 11th African American Living Legends Awards Ceremony to honor distinguished individuals whose lives and work have significantly shaped the cultural and civic landscape of Montgomery County’s African American community.
The nomination deadline is Wednesday, May 20. For more information, visit the Office of Human Rights website.
New Podcast Episode Highlights Permitting Tips for Decks, Patios, and Outdoor Projects
 As the summer season approaches, the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has released a new podcast episode, “Decks, Patios and Outdoor Projects,” offering practical guidance for homeowners on when permits are required, how to schedule a free residential deck inspection in May, and why working with a licensed contractor is important. The podcast is hosted by DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, and this episode features DPS Residential Field Supervisor Jeremy Shupp.
There are two public vacancies on the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts & Culture Inc. board of directors and interested residents are encouraged to join. Board members for the nonprofit organization are responsible for managing and providing stewardship for the park. They also help assure its long-term success and sustainability as an important community institution.
Glen Echo is home to 13 resident artists and organizations. People visit the park regularly for the iconic merry-go-round, children’s theater performances, nature, aquatic life, and dance programs. It also hosts free summer concerts, festivals, and special events.
Some training is required, and appointments are made by the County Executive and will be confirmed by the County Council. The deadline for applicants is Wednesday, May 13.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) invites adults 18 and older to take a test ride, learn safety tips, and get details on basic e-scooter laws from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, at Montgomery College, Parking Lot 13, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville. No registration is required, and attendees may drop by at any time during the event. Scooters will be provided free of charge. Participants must have a valid driver’s license or ID.
 Five legendary figures from Montgomery County’s sports history and the team with the County’s all-time longest winning streak in any sport will be honored at 2:45 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, when the Montgomery Sports Hall of Fame inducts its Class of 2026 at the Silver Spring Civic Building, located at 1 Veterans Place in downtown Silver Spring.
The induction ceremony is open to the public and free to attend. Among the expected speakers are Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Natali Fani-González.
Joining 35 previous inductees will be three-time All-Met basketball star Willie Allen of Richard Montgomery High School, 11-year NFL veteran John Bunting, all-time great official Bill Dixon, 93-time marathon runner Betty Holston Smith and, posthumously, track and field standout and girls basketball coach Warren Crutchfield. The first team to be inducted into the Hall of Fame will be the Academy of the Holy Cross girls basketball team that won 115 straight games from 1977-82.
Montgomery County Ride On to Adjust 18 Bus Routes Beginning Sunday, May 3
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will adjust 18 Ride On bus route schedules starting Sunday, May 3, to improve efficiency and on-time performance. The changes reflect a shift of resources to allow for more reliable service where demand is higher. The new schedules will be available at rideonbus.com and in print.
Route changes include:
- Ten (10) routes will have new trip times: 12, 15, 16, 17, 20, 26, 29, 34, 40, 47
- Eight (8) routes will have adjustments to improve on-time performance: 33, 48, 49, 57, 97, 98, Flash Orange, and Flash Blue
Metro to Host Red Line Closure Meeting on Wednesday, May 6 in Bethesda
The public is invited to attend an online or in-person Metro Red Line summer closure information meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Service Center, 4805 Edgemoor Lane in Bethesda. Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is asking attendees to RSVP and will lead the meeting, with participation from the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) and the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) as partners. Metro’s summer construction is scheduled from July 6 to Sept. 6 between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will host a free family-friendly, student-led “Safety Day” event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 9 at the Carver Educational Services Center (CESC), located at 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville. The FREE fair will highlight driver, bike, and pedestrian safety with interactive and educational experiences including safety demonstrations, games, and hands-on activities for all ages. Safety Day is organized and staffed by local high school students participating in the County’s Vision Zero Youth Ambassador program.
 The Countywide Recreation and Parks Advisory Board needs volunteers to help oversee park policies and services. Board members assist in developing and maintaining relationships with various County agencies on matters affecting recreation and park programs, and services. The Board recommends budget items and new facilities and appears at special recreation and park functions.
The Board represents the entire County, and there are currently three vacancies for the DownCounty region, three vacancies in East County, three in Mid County, and one in the Upcounty region. Three vacancies are for the public-at-large to represent a cross-section of the population. Nine incumbents are eligible to apply for reappointment.
To view the County regional service area in which you live or work, click AboutMyAddress. The deadline for applicants is Wednesday, May 13.
 The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) invites County-based landscapers to a free training from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, designed to help participants effectively use battery-electric landscaping tools. The session will include both classroom and field instruction. Participants will receive an AGZA “Service Pro” training certificate and a $500 rebate coupon upon completion. The training will be offered in English and Spanish. The location will be shared only with registered participants. Residents are encouraged to share this opportunity with their landscapers.
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Montgomery County residents are encouraged to participate in the regional Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 15, with activities taking place throughout the morning. Online registration is now open for the annual event, which celebrates bicycling as a fun, healthy, and climate-friendly way to travel. Free pit stops will be available across the region, including 15 in Montgomery County, with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) sponsoring eight locations that will feature music, snacks, raffles, and vendors. The first 18,000 bicyclists to register and participate will receive a free t-shirt, and will be automatically entered into a raffle to win a new bike.
50+ Montgomery Highlights Tips for Safe Medication Use and Aging Well
A new episode of 50+ Montgomery is now available, featuring host Katie Smith in conversation with Dr. Nicole J. Brandt about medication safety and management, and healthy aging. The episode provides valuable information and practical tips for older adults and caregivers. For more information about senior services in Montgomery County, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/seniors.
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The Montgomery County Commission for Women will host “From Mixtapes to Meaning: Crafting Your Encore Chapter,” a new seminar from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, May 4, on Zoom. As careers wind down, many professionals face questions that go beyond finances—about identity, purpose, and what comes next. In this interactive session, retirement coach Joy Levin introduces a thoughtful framework for navigating the transition out of full-time work with intention. Using the metaphor of a “mixtape,” participants will reflect on the experiences, strengths, and patterns that have shaped them, and explore how to carry those forward into a meaningful next chapter. Focused on the mindset of retirement, not the bank account, the session offers practical insights and guided reflection for anyone approaching or entering this new phase of life.
 The Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery County Public Libraries are pleased to offer a series of financial seminars to help walk you through the ins and outs of "all things money.” Led by financial and investment advisors Jamie Lapin and Thiago Glieger, the sessions are designed to help attendees build confidence in managing their financial future. Classes are free and will be held on Zoom from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, beginning May 12.
 Photo Credit: Senna Ahmad
Residents are invited to join Silver Spring Town Center Inc. for a Spring Poetry Circle at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, at Koiner Farm, located at 737 Easley St. in Silver Spring. The event, held in celebration of National Poetry Writing Month, will take place under the Tulip Poplar tree and will feature poetry focused on connection with the Earth, and dreams for planetary well-being. Attendees are welcome to share favorite poems. The program will include participation from award-winning local poet, eco-artist, and climate justice advocate Neha Misra, whose interdisciplinary work explores the transformative power of art to support personal, collective, and planetary healing.
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