Initially an essay contest, Councilmember Rice partnered last year with Montgomery County Public Schools and Montgomery College to enhance the program by incorporating afterschool virtual instruction on digital storytelling. Open to students in eighth through twelfth grades, each participant will be provided with a loaner iPad and mentored by a trained instructor on inclusive storytelling through digital journalism. The culminating project for students is a video on a public policy issue from whom a winning video will be selected. The winner will be the guest of honor at a Council breakfast, receive a Council proclamation, serve as an honorary Councilmember for a Day, and receive prizes to enable their continued digital storytelling.

Last year, Allison Fan submitted the winning video which advocated for more comprehensive education on eating disorders. Through her engaging visuals and relaying her personal message regarding her own challenges, the video provided important information about eating disorders afflicting our youth.


Previously, we’ve shared census data that shows the City of Gaithersburg population grew just over 16% in the past 10 years (from 2010 to 2020) bringing the official 2020 population to 69,657, compared to 59,933 in 2010, making it the third largest incorporated City in Maryland, behind Baltimore at 585,708, and the City of Frederick at 78,171. Today we are going to look at additional areas in Montgomery County, both incorporated and not incorporated, to show you a list of the 30 largest places in MoCo according to population (using 2020 census data).

Just Missed: Poolesville (5,742)


“Montgomery County’s strength is truly derived from its diversity. For centuries, the African diaspora has significantly contributed to our economic, cultural and social fabric and positively influenced many civilizations around the world. I am proud that Montgomery County is celebrating African Heritage Month for the second year in a row, and most importantly that the Council will host our celebration in person for the very first time,” said Council President Albornoz. “It is through hard work, perseverance and determination that the African community sustains our County and fortifies our collective vision to achieve prosperity for all.”

“Fourteen years ago, Montgomery County became the first in the nation to proclaim the month of September as African Heritage Month,” said Councilmember Jawando. “As the son of a Nigerian father, this celebration is important to me as we continue to honor the diverse cultures within the African diaspora and their contributions to our county and nation.  This year, we will recognize African leaders from five different countries, celebrating their achievements in the fields of music, dance, art, culinary arts and designing traditional African attire. Montgomery County is home to more than 54,000 Africans, who make up 15 percent of the overall immigrant population.  African Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize one of our biggest strengths in Montgomery County, our rich diversity.”


The Woodward Relays, an invitational cross-country relay race that consists of a 6 mile run with the baton passed from teammate to teammate every mile, took place on the campus of Georgetown Prep. For the first time in 50 years, runners from Magruder High School won their respective race (Senior Josh Lopez and Sophomore Colin Abrams are pictured). The Magruder duo finished nearly a minute before the second place team.

Churchill boys and girls won Woodward relays. Full results can be seen here.


The Maryland Terrapins football team will kick off its season at noon on Saturday against the Buffalo Bulls. The Terps are coming off of a 7-6 season and have high hopes with a tough B1G schedule ahead of them. Maryland was the  31st best in the nation in passing touchdowns, finishing the 2021 season with 27 and will look to continue playing well with plenty of MoCo student-athletes on the roster. Check them out below (Name, class, major, city, high school):

The entire football roster, which contains additional information about all players and coaches can be seen here. Buffalo Bulls redshirt freshman quarterback Brian Plummer graduated from Quince Orchard High School, where he went 25-2 as a starter.


The Farm to Food Bank program had 22 farms participating in the past year, but for the current year, an increase of 10 farms from the previous year. That is the highest number of farms participating since the program began in 2020. This allowed the program to benefit about a dozen more food assistance providers than the year prior.

The annual report also showed that $141,553 in grant funds (from the Community Foundation and Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services) were awarded to 20 farms, nine of which are owned by females and/or farmers of color.


There has been a change in Maryland law that could restrict a homeowner’s eligibility for a $692 Montgomery County property tax credit. The new State law requires all residential property owners to also have an approved Homestead Application on file with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) to be eligible for the County’s Income Tax Offset Credit (ITOC). This credit appears on annual property tax bills.

The one-time application must be completed to keep the ITOC tax credit that was on July 1, 2022, tax bills. If an approved application is not on file by May 1, 2023, State law will require the County to recapture the $692 ITOC that was granted on your tax bill. Additionally, the ITOC tax credit itself will no longer appear on all future tax bills until there is an approved Homestead Application on file with SDAT.


Per MCPS Athletics: MCPS buses are available for teams to utilize throughout the season for off-site games or events, assuming there are available drivers and buses and based on the game time. It is important to note that, due to buses making runs afterschool for students, buses are not available during the hours of 1:35-4:35 p.m. from Monday-Friday. This constraint, along with the convenience of leaving later and coming home earlier, results in instances when parent or student drivers may be preferred.

If parent or student drivers are being considered for transportation to off-site events, each student’s parents/guardians have the option to opt out of allowing their student to drive with parent or student drivers. Parents are required to select which mode(s) of transportation they consent to allowing their student-athlete to utilize during the season.


“Engaging the expertise and insight of our community is a critical step in creating successful strategies to support our residents,” said Heather Bruskin, executive director of the Montgomery County Food Council. “This five-minute survey will provide an important opportunity for residents to share the challenges they experience in accessing food and directly advise the county on what programs would be of greatest benefit to their families.” 

The survey results will help inform program implementation, policy development and future funding priorities. Resident feedback is a key component to adequately understanding and addressing food access challenges that are impacting our children and youth. 


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