 This week, the County Executive thanks the public for responding to WSSC's request to limit water use for two days. He focuses on Economic Development Week, the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, other institutions, and some of our important businesses here. He discusses his visit to several small businesses to mark Hispanic Heritage Month and the end of African Heritage Month. The County Executive highlights the new MARC route that connects Montgomery County with other Maryland jurisdictions directly, calls for Human Rights Hall of Fame nominees, and encourages all residents to complete the Community Survey.
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Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service is kicking off Fire Prevention Month and urging all residents to “Take 10” on Oct. 10 to test smoke alarms, practice a home fire drill, and update your Family Emergency Kit. A few minutes of planning can make all the difference in an emergency.
Like any electronic device, smoke alarms wear out over time and need to be replaced. The life expectancy of smoke alarms is 10 years. Smoke alarms work by sensing smoke particles and after 10 years, the smoke sensors lose their sensitivity. The test button only confirms that the battery, electronics, and alert system are working; not that the smoke sensor is working. Replace ALL smoke alarms older than 10 years.
A Home Fire Drill Can Save Your Life
Less than a quarter of households surveyed have developed and practiced a home escape plan. How prepared is your family? Map out a home escape plan complete with a meeting place. Practice your plan with a home fire drill.
It’s Time to “Winterize” Your Family Emergency Kit
It’s important to keep enough supplies in your home to meet the needs of your family for at least three days. Assemble a Family Emergency Kit with items you may need in an emergency. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as suitcases, duffle bags, or covered storage containers.
Help the County improve services by providing your input and take the Montgomery County 2026 Community Survey. The survey is open to all residents and is accessible on the County’s website. It aims to gather feedback on local government services and the perception of overall quality of life in the County. The survey will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 19.
The survey questions will ask about several issues, including quality of life of neighborhood/community, favorability of County services, usage of amenities and facilities, participation in County programs, customer and constituent service of County employees, effectiveness of County communications, and household practices such as recycling.
To ensure a diverse and representative sample, the survey also has been sent to 6,000 randomly selected households, with instructions available in English, Spanish, Chinese, French, Korean, Vietnamese, Persian/Farsi, and Amharic.
Join Montgomery College’s Financial Aid team for FAFSA Day: Fund Your Future on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the East County Education Center, 2221 Broadbirch Drive in Silver Spring. A virtual option is also available.
New, prospective, and current students and their families can get personalized help completing the 2027–28 FAFSA and Maryland’s MHEC One-App, explore scholarship opportunities, and get answers to questions about financial aid. College staff and community partners will be on hand to guide attendees through the application process and connect them with resources to help fund their education.
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Citizenship Maryland will host a free Citizenship Application Screening Clinic from 2–5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the UpCounty Regional Services Center, located at 12900 Middlebrook Road in Germantown. This appointment‑only event is designed for those with lawful permanent resident (Green Card) status who may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet one‑on‑one with legal providers to determine eligibility, explore fee‑assistance options, and learn whether they qualify for an English‑language exemption. While the clinic does not include help completing the N‑400 U.S. Citizenship Application, eligible participants will be able to schedule a follow‑up appointment for assistance.
Residents must be at least 18 years old, have held a Green Card for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen), and live in Montgomery County. The event is hosted in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Maryland Delegate Leslie Lopez, and Global Refuge.
Attendees who are determined eligible and recommended to apply will be referred to an upcoming partner-provided application-assistance clinic, along with additional support resources.
Language assistance is available. Call 240‑777‑4940 for help accessing the application form.
One year after Eric's ID Law took effect, more than 30,000 Marylanders have added the law's butterfly designation to their Maryland driver's license or identification card. Effective Oct. 1, 2025, the law allows individuals with hidden or non-apparent disabilities to voluntarily add the butterfly symbol to their driver's license to help alert law enforcement and first responders that they may need additional understanding or accommodations during an interaction.
The law was inspired by Maryland autism advocate Eric Carpenter-Grantham and enacted to improve communication and safety for individuals with hidden disabilities. As the law marks its first anniversary, Eric and his family are working to encourage other states to adopt similar legislation and expand the program nationwide.
You can add the voluntary hidden disability butterfly for free through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration's (MVA) myMVA account page, at a 24/7 self-service kiosk, or in-person at a Motor Vehicle Administration branch.
Photo credit: Warren Fleming
The Damascus Connection Committee of Montgomery County (DCCMC) recently unveiled a historic marker honoring Holsey Road and families connected to its history. Descendants of former Holsey Road residents joined current residents, County department leaders, and elected officials for this important occasion.
The Holsey Road Project is a historical preservation initiative dedicated to recognizing the people who lived and worked in this area. The road is named after John Richard Holsey, who lived and worked on the Mullinix Plantation and was born free in 1818. He became a prominent African American farmer and carpenter and played a crucial role in developing the Damascus area alongside the Moxley and Mullinix families.
Members of the Zeigler family, who still own a portion of the historic land, are represented on DCCMC. The committee continues to work with the State of Maryland and County officials to preserve Holsey Road, the surrounding land, and the stories of the families whose lives helped shape the Damascus community.
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This October, the Montgomery County Family Justice Center Foundation, in partnership with the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, Montgomery County Family Justice Center, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the Montgomery County Commission for Women and other community partners, is leading a countywide effort to Make MoCo Purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). The goal is to raise awareness, share local resources, and show victims and families they are not alone.
The Make MoCo Purple for DVAM Community Kickoff is from 6–8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Ike Leggett Executive Office Building, located at 101 Monroe St., Rockville. Admission is free, but an RSVP is requested. More information about the event and DVAM can be found on the Montgomery County Family Justice Center Foundation’s website.
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Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the historic Hammond Wood house with the Glenmont Forest Neighbors Civic Association (GFNCA), by taking a free house tour from 2–4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4. Architect Charles Goodman brought modern housing to Montgomery County. Called "the most elegant" builder of the local post-World War II housing boom, Goodman’s signature “walls of glass” of asymmetrical window grids and fireplace as sculpture reflect the optimism and openness of mid-century modernism. Hammond Wood is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The event is free and open to all. However, space is limited to the first 75 registrants. To prevent overcrowding, pre-registration for this event is required. Registrants will receive a follow-up email with additional schedule, parking, handouts, and location information. Visit the Goodman75 website for more information.
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The pre-election canvass of Mail-In ballots for the 2026 Gubernatorial General Election starts at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the Montgomery County Board of Elections Training and Canvass Center, located at 18753 N. Frederick Ave., Suite 203, in Gaithersburg.
The canvass schedule may be accessed through the Montgomery County Board of Elections website at www.777vote.org. Please note that canvass dates are subject to change as the canvass schedule is contingent upon the volume of returned Mail-In ballots.
Election officials must review the returned envelopes containing voted Mail-In ballots before ballots may be counted. Mail-In ballots are reviewed in a public process, referred to as "canvass", by bipartisan teams of election workers and presented to the bipartisan Board of Canvassers. The canvassing process may be observed either in person or virtually via the livestream link provided at www.777vote.org.
The State’s Attorney’s Office’s 4th annual Speak Up, Save a Life Student Video Contest is now open for entries. The contest challenges students to create an original video to promote awareness of the risks of drug misuse and the dangers of fentanyl and other synthetic compounds. The contest was created in partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools, the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, Montgomery Goes Purple, MCC-PTA, and The Magnolia Companies.
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Montgomery County is recognizing Food Waste Prevention Week, Sept. 28–Oct. 4, by highlighting efforts to prevent food waste, recover edible food, and help address food insecurity. The Montgomery County Office of Food Systems Resilience (OFSR), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the Montgomery County Food Council (MCFC) are leading the County’s recognition of the national week.
To reduce food waste and increase donations of edible food, DEP raises awareness and provides education on ways to reduce wasted food via its "Food is Too Good to Waste" campaign. This campaign provides information on ways to channel edible food to people experiencing food insecurity.
Celebrate autumn traditions at Montgomery Parks' annual Harvest Festival from 11 a.m.–4 p.m on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood. The family-friendly festival features hayrides, historic crafts, live entertainment, and hands-on activities that bring the County’s agricultural heritage to life. In addition to the farm fun, visitors can enjoy live musical performances, sheepdog herding demonstrations, and Park Police mounted patrol and K-9 officers will be on hand to greet the public and answer questions. Admission to Harvest Festival is $20 per car, cash only. Some activities require an additional fee.
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Montgomery County is committed to ensuring that all residents can access and benefit from its programs to help clean our air and water, including Tree Montgomery, RainScapes, and Clean Water Montgomery Grants. To support this goal, the County is seeking community feedback on how to make these programs more accessible, inclusive, and effective. Take a brief survey or sign up to attend an upcoming Community Listening Session this fall. In-person attendees age 18 or older will receive a $20 gift card (one per person).
Community Listening Sessions are being held in person and virtually:
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Monday, Oct. 12: In-person at Wheaton Community Recreation Center, 7–8 p.m.
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Thursday, Oct. 15: Virtual, 7–8 p.m.
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Tuesday, Oct. 20: In-person at Germantown Library, 7–8 p.m.
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Monday, Oct. 26: Virtual, 7–8 p.m.
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Wednesday, Nov. 4: In-person at East County Community Recreation Center, 7–8 p.m.
Your feedback can help identify barriers and shape recommendations to better serve Montgomery County communities. Questions? Contact Michael Pieper at michael.pieper@montgomerycountymd.gov.
The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights is accepting nominations for its 2026 Human Rights Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing human and civil rights in Montgomery County. Nominations are due by Friday, Oct. 23.
The 2026 Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8, at BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown. The Hall of Fame, established in 2001, has honored more than 100 individuals.
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Montgomery County offers resources to help family and professional caregivers manage the challenges of caregiving. The Caregiving Heroic Hearts video series provides practical tips and ideas on topics including cognitive loss, fall prevention, sensory and relaxation techniques, and ways to support the safety and well-being of caregivers and those they care for.
Caregivers can also connect with others through Care4MC, the County’s free, 24/7 online caregiver support platform. The platform offers short lessons and resources on topics such as dementia care, fall prevention, medications, navigating the health care system, and caregiver well-being. Its online forum provides a place for caregivers to ask questions, share experiences, offer encouragement, or read about others' experiences. Create a Care4MC account on the Trualta website to explore the caregiver forum and other resources.
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The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is adding traffic signals at previously unsignalized intersections and pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHB) at intersections and mid-block crossings across the County to enhance pedestrian safety at designated locations. Crashes at or near intersections account for more than 56% of serious injuries and fatalities in the County. Adding traffic controls is an effort to reduce serious and fatal crashes by making streets safer and easier to cross.
MCDOT annually constructs traffic signals and PHBs across the County, with priority given to high-crash-risk roadways with few safe places to cross. Crosswalks at or near schools are an important focus, as part of the Safe Routes to School program.
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Montgomery County is seeking applicants for the Citizens Review Panel for Children. The panel evaluates state and local responses to child protection needs and provides oversight on cases of abuse and neglect. Seven positions are open, including public voting members and non‑voting technical advisors.
Members meet monthly, currently via video conference. Residents from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is Monday, Oct. 5.
Join Montgomery Parks from 4–6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, for the ribbon-cutting celebration of its first 18-hole disc golf course at Northwest Branch Recreational Park in Colesville. The free event will include disc golf demonstrations and beginner-friendly tutorials, giving visitors a chance to learn the sport and experience the new course firsthand. Designed with multiple tee options to accommodate different skill levels, the course welcomes everyone from first-time players to seasoned disc golfers.
Donated bicycles can make a big difference for local community members. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) annual Bicycle Donation Drive from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, will make it easy to donate previously owned bikes and ensure they will have a continued impact. Bikes will be collected, rain or shine, outside of the Montgomery County Council Office Building Garage at the corner of E. Jefferson and Monroe St. in Rockville.
Bicycles should be in good working condition or in need of only minor repairs. Rockville Bike Hub volunteers will refurbish the bikes, and MCDOT will place them with children and adults in the County through the MCDOT Bike Match Program or through the Rockville Terrific Kids program. A portion of the bikes are also collected by Bikes for the World and donated to communities around the world. Bikes that are not salvageable are recycled.
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Residents, caregivers, and professionals are invited to participate in a free online Age-Friendly Ecosystem Summit from 1–3 p.m. on four consecutive Thursdays in October. The educational series will explore how communities can support healthier, more connected lives for people of all ages.
Sessions will focus on longevity readiness, caregiving, brain health, housing, loneliness, and social connection:
- Thursday, Oct. 8: “From Age-Friendly Initiatives to Longevity-Readiness: Strategies to Navigate Challenges,” featuring speakers including Liz Woodward of the Maryland Department of Aging.
- Thursday, Oct. 15: “The Invisible Workforce: Care Partners in Crisis and the Path Forward,” featuring Ruth Kershner, program manager of Montgomery County’s Family Caregiver Support Program.
- Thursday, Oct. 22: “Mind Matters: Prioritizing Brain Health Across the Age-Friendly Ecosystem.”
- Thursday, Oct. 29: “More Than Shelter: Housing, Loneliness, and Social Connection.”
The annual summit is hosted by George Washington University’s Center for Aging, Health and Humanities in partnership with Age-Friendly Alexandria, Arlington, the District of Columbia, Howard County, Hyattsville, Montgomery County, Orange County, N.C., AARP NC Coastal Region, and the Georgetown Center for Healthy Aging.
Montgomery County will celebrate Active Aging Week from Monday, Oct. 5, through Sunday, Oct. 11, with more than 50 programs, events, and activities for adults ages 55 and older. The weeklong celebration will offer opportunities to stay active, connected, and engaged through activities promoting physical, mental, and intellectual well-being.
The week will kick off Monday, Oct. 5, with the signature event, “Go, Grow, and Get Active,” from 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at the Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center. Participants can choose from more than 40 activities and workshops, including yoga, tai chi, dancing, writing, pickleball, and Wii games. A resource fair and health screenings also will be offered. Registration is required. For registration information and the complete calendar of events, visit the Active Aging Week webpage.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Montgomery College opened an interactive art installation titled Nuestros Caminos y Huellas (Our Journeys and Footprints). It explores migration, resilience, family separation, and hope. Curated by acclaimed local artists Quique Avilés and Samuel Miranda, the exhibit moves beyond traditional celebrations to offer a deeply reflective space centered on the lived realities of the Hispanic and Latino immigrant community.
Visitors are invited to step into someone else’s shoes, walk among conceptual installations built from found objects, leave personal messages, and engage directly with pieces that honor our shared humanity. The exhibit is free and open to the public daily through Friday, Oct. 30 in the Aux Gallery at the Cafritz Arts Center, located on Montgomery College’s Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus at 930 King St. in Silver Spring. Don't miss this opportunity to reflect, connect, and witness a meaningful story of community and perseverance.
Embrace the magic of Halloween this year with Montgomery Parks and celebrate with not-too-scary family fun. From ghoulish train rides to campy hikes and campfires, there’s something for everyone to have a wicked good time. Visit the Montgomery Parks website for a full list of Halloween programs including Creepy Campfires and Hikes. Registration is required for all programs unless noted.
Join the Montgomery County Humane Society at Elder Pine Brewery in Gaithersburg for Boos and Brews on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 4–7 p.m. (rain date: Sunday, Oct. 26, 4–7 p.m.).
The event will feature several activities for the family, including Halloween costume contests for dogs, people, and dog/human teams—with spooktacular prizes! Professional, fall-themed portraits by Michael Luton to capture your pup’s cutest Halloween look will be available. Boos and Brews will offer door prizes, giveaways, a 50/50 raffle, live music, and more festive fun.
Enjoy a refreshing brew from one of the area’s top local breweries, while food will be available from a local food truck or bring your own picnic (no outside alcohol allowed).
 Montgomery County has some of the most fantastic hiking opportunities near a major metropolitan area. With the beauty that comes with the changing seasons, it’s the perfect time to get outside and take in the scenery. Visit Montgomery has a guide to seven great hikes to see fall foliage in our area this fall.
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