 This week, the County Executive reflects on the meaning of patriotism. He highlights the Department of Recreation, as families will lean on it for affordable summer activities and programs. The County Executive raises concerns over the $36 million shortfall that Montgomery County Public Schools is facing due to the Council's budget decisions, celebrates the forthcoming extension of the popular US 29 Flash line into Columbia, and spotlights the need to support the Give and Ride Food Drive underway through Sunday. The County Executive shines a spotlight on the County's mental health resources as Mental Health Awareness Month draws to a close. He recognizes Eid al-Adha, an important holiday in the Muslim community, and encourages the community to support Pride Month in June.
Story Keys:
The Montgomery County Board of Elections is encouraging residents to make a voting plan ahead of the 2026 election cycle by registering to vote, checking their voter registration status, or updating their information online. The primary election will be held on Tuesday, June 23.
Residents can vote by mail, during early voting from June 11-18, or in person on Election Day. Election officials encourage voters to confirm their registration early to ensure a smooth voting experience.
 |
With grocery prices rising, it’s a great time to think about an easy way to help neighbors who may be struggling with food insecurity. There are just a few days left to support the 33rd Annual Food Drive, sponsored by the County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), Manna Food Center, and Montgomery County Public Libraries. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off on all Ride On, extRa, Flex, and Flash buses or at ten participating Montgomery County Public Libraries, and the Leggett Executive Office Building and Council Office Building in Rockville through Sunday, May 31.
The community is invited to join the Pike District Partnership and Montgomery County Councilmember Kate Stewart for a Community Clean Up Day on Saturday, May 30, as the community prepares for a summer full of programming and events.
Volunteers will help beautify the park by planting flowers, hanging string lights, and helping with general clean-up efforts ahead of the summer season.
The event will take place from 9-11 a.m. at the Pike District Pop Up Park, located at the corner of Grand Park Avenue and Banneker Street. Gardening and clean-up supplies will be provided, though participants are welcome to bring their own gloves and tools. Attendees are encouraged to walk from home or park in the Montgomery County Conference Center garage.
Montgomery County’s African American Health Program (AAHP) will host its 12th Annual Community Day on Saturday, May 30 at Montgomery College’s Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus. A community walk will begin at 8 a.m., with the main event running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free, family-friendly event will feature health screenings, wellness resources, educational workshops, youth activities, live entertainment, giveaways, and community programming focused on promoting health equity and wellness in African American communities. This year’s theme is “It Takes a Village: Educate, Advocate, and Motivate.” Advance registration is required.
 Montgomery County’s Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) will open registration at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 1, for a limited-availability whiskey sales event scheduled for Wednesday, June 10. Registrants will have the opportunity to purchase one highly sought-after bottle of whiskey. ABS expects to offer more than 150 bottles for purchase and there are no residency requirements. Online registration will remain open until all slots are filled. Participants are encouraged to register early, as the event is expected to fill up quickly. Participants must be 21 or older.
 |
Montgomery Parks invites community members to celebrate the start of Pride Month with an evening of comedy, connection, and celebration at Brookside Gardens. Residents will be able to enter the gates at 6 p.m., and the show will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3. The Laugh Out Proud: Pride Comedy Night will feature a standout lineup of comedians sharing their humorous perspectives on life, love, and everything in between. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided, and food and beverages will be available for purchase from local vendors. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket and enjoy a relaxed evening of laughter in the gardens.
Montgomery County Recreation will host the 14th Annual White Oak Day from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, at the White Oak Community Recreation Center, located at 1700 April Lane in Silver Spring.
This free community event will feature food, games, inflatables, music, vendors, and family-friendly activities for all ages.
Celebrate the flavors, culture, and community that make Wheaton unique during the Taste of Wheaton 2026, Maryland’s Culinary and Cultural Festival, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, at Marian Fryer Town Plaza, located at 2424 Reedie Drive in Wheaton.
The free event will feature local food vendors, live music, dance performances, family-friendly activities, and community vendors throughout the day.
 Kick off Juneteenth week on Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Josiah Henson Museum and Park in North Bethesda for a free, family-friendly event honoring the birthday of Josiah Henson. This free celebration will feature hands-on activities, games, and a special appearance by international storyteller and griot The Honorable Baba‑C.
The event pays tribute to Henson, who was born into slavery in Maryland, escaped to freedom, and later became a conductor on the Underground Railroad. Join Montgomery Parks to celebrate this historic figure and learn more about his remarkable life.
The MoCo Pride Center is now accepting sign-ups for its “Open Hearts Open Mic” event taking place Saturday, June 20. Local performers ages 14 and older are invited to showcase their talents, including poetry, music, comedy, and dance.
Performances will be divided into two age groups: ages 14-21 and ages 21 and older. Audience members will vote for top performers in each category, with winners receiving prizes.
Each performer will have approximately five minutes to perform.
Residents are invited to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Charles Goodman’s Mid-Century Modern homes during a free hands-on art workshop on Saturday, June 6, at the Wheaton Recreation Center. Led by artist Marcie Wolf Hubbard, participants will create “tiny house” versions of Goodman homes while learning about the historic Wheaton neighborhood designs.
The workshop will take place from noon-3 p.m. and is open to all skill levels. Registration is limited to the first 20 participants and closes Friday, May 29.
 Montgomery Parks will host MudFest from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, at Woodstock Equestrian Special Park, located at 20207 Darnestown Road in Beallsville. Families are invited to enjoy a giant mud slide, mud pies, a mud volcano, and other messy outdoor activities during one of the County’s muddiest events of the year.
Admission is $20 per car and carpooling is encouraged. Advance tickets are available online, but attendees may also pay with cash at the event.
Fans will have the opportunity to meet LA Knight, one of World Wrestling Entertainment's popular wrestling personalities, during a special meet-and-greet event from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, June 14. The event, presented by Wheatley American Vodka and WWE, will be held at the County’s Oak, Barrel & Vine White Oak store, located at 12259 Prosperity Drive in Silver Spring.
Residents are invited to join the Unite 2 Integrate Diabetes Coalition meeting from 11 a.m.-noon on Thursday, June 18, via Zoom. Attendees will hear updates on Montgomery County’s Diabetes and Chronic Disease action plans and learn how the County Department of Health and Human Services’ Mobile Health Clinic is expanding access to chronic disease services in the community.
The Montgomery County Office of Animal Services, in partnership with MCPAW, continues offering its Pet Food Pantry to support residents in need of pet food assistance. Food distribution is available at two locations in Rockville and Derwood on select dates through June. No appointment is required at either location. The program helps Montgomery County residents care for their pets by providing access to free pet food and supplies while strengthening community support for animal welfare.
Explore local history and culture during the 27th Annual Heritage Days weekend from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28. More than 30 museums, parks, and historic sites will offer free admission, exhibits, live music, demonstrations, and family‑friendly activities highlighting the people and places that shaped Montgomery County.
 |
The Washington Suburban Transit Commission (WSTC) needs a representative from Montgomery County to help with public transit, rail, bus, and para-transit planning and policy issues at the local, state, and federal levels.
WSTC is the agency charged with ensuring the State of Maryland, Prince George’s and Montgomery County governments, and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) work together on infrastructure.
Within Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, the Commission acts as the financial conduit for mass transportation projects. It is also authorized to levy a property tax in each county to support mass transit services, associated debt service, and administrative costs.
To apply, complete an online form and submit a letter of interest along with a resume. The application deadline is Wednesday, June 10.
Montgomery County Recognizes Recycling Leaders During Annual Awards Ceremony
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the Department of Environmental Protection recently recognized 22 individuals, businesses, and organizations during the County’s 27th Annual Recycling Achievement Awards for their leadership in waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. The annual awards highlight innovative sustainability efforts that support Montgomery County’s long-term goal of achieving zero waste.
County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill three private-sector board vacancies on the Montgomery County Collaboration Council, the County’s local management board for children, youth, and families. Two current members may reapply. The quasi-public nonprofit organization works with partner groups to help youth achieve positive results.
The Board includes nine private-sector members and 12 representatives from public child‑serving agencies. Business owners, managers, and leaders of civic, community, or religious organizations are encouraged to apply.
Board members oversee the Collaboration Council’s programs, finances, and management, ensuring effective, coordinated services for children, youth, and families. Key focus areas include expanding quality out‑of‑school time programs, maintaining the infoMONTGOMERY resource database, supporting youth in education and employment pathways, reducing juvenile justice involvement, promoting fairness in school settings, and helping families of children with intensive needs navigate cross-agency services.
The application deadline is Wednesday, June 17.
Metro riders should plan for major Red Line construction this summer. From Monday, July 6, through Sunday, Sept. 6, the Grosvenor-Strathmore and Medical Center Metro stations will be closed for construction work. Metro will provide free shuttle bus service between stations, including sections with dedicated bus lanes to help reduce travel delays. Free parking will also be available at the North Bethesda and Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro stations during the project.
Residents can use the free Ride On Trip Planner app to identify alternative bus routes during the Metro construction period. All County bus services—including Ride On, Ride On extRa, Flex and Flash—are free. Residents who regularly use Metro are encouraged to access stations on the Wheaton-Glenmont side of the Red Line for travel to and from Washington, D.C. Several Ride On bus routes provide connections to open Metro stations.
|
