Rockville

International Night will return Friday, March 17 after a two-year pandemic hiatus for a free evening of multicultural fun and entertainment — and we’re searching for performers for the evening. Performers interested in showcasing their skills, and celebrating and showing their cultural talent, are invited to take part in this year’s event at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre.

From 6-8 p.m., International Night will showcase dance performances and traditional clothing displays, with an opportunity for attendees to sample unique and traditional foods from around the world, engage with and learn the customs of people from different countries, and discover our community’s different cultures. To apply to perform, contact [email protected]. For more information, visit www.rockvillemd.gov/internationalnight. The F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre is located at 603 Edmonston Drive.

Rockville fourth graders once again have a chance to meet Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton and imagine what they would do if they were mayor by taking part in the Maryland Municipal League’s statewide “If I Were Mayor” essay contest.

This year’s theme is “Preserving the Past to Power the Future.” Students are asked to write an essay of no more than 275 words after thinking about their hometown and its traditions, beliefs or events. Which ones would they uplift and honor? Which would they try to change? And how would they get people to participate in things they’re trying to change?

Per the City of Rockville: The Mayor and Council in January initiated a public review process for changing city code and the zoning ordinance related to accessory apartments and accessory dwelling units, or ADUs. Accessory apartments are small dwelling units either located within or attached to a single-family detached residence, subject to certain criteria. The code as it stands allows such dwellings through a potentially lengthy approval process for a special exception from the Board of Appeals. Proposed code changes would allow approval by staff, subject to compliance with certain criteria, reducing processing time.

ADUs, defined as small dwellings within a detached accessory structure on a single-family lot, are not currently permitted in the city. The proposed code changes would allow approval of ADUs by staff, subject to certain criteria, as a conditional use. If approved, such units would be subject to the same inspection requirements as other rental units in the city.

Rockville’s community warmth and holiday spirit were on display during the 2022 Holiday Drive, with 223 donors donating $40,829 in cash to families and people in need throughout November and December. This was the first year the Holiday Drive returned to food and toy donations since the COVID-19 pandemic began. In-kind, or non-monetary, donations totaled $42,500. More than 700 hours were poured into supporting the drive by 300-plus volunteers. Hundreds of families were helped during the two-month campaign. In November, 616 families and seniors, a total of 2,119 people, were helped with the Holiday Drive’s distribution of food. Families and seniors in need were provided with $15 grocery store gift card, a box of nonperishable food, a bag of produce, a baguette and a pie, via an in-person drive-thru pickup at Elwood Smith Community Center or home delivery.

In December, 1,102 children from 441 families were served through the Holiday Drive Toy Shop. Each child aged up to 11 received toys and books, as well as a board game for the family. Each teenager aged 12-17 received a $25 Target gift card and books. To find out more about Rockville’s annual Holiday Drive and make tax-deductible donations year-round, visit www.rockvillemd.gov/holidaydrive.

Full statement: “It is another sad day for the country and the law enforcement community. We have no doubt taken many steps backwards this evening. The actions of the Memphis police officers against Mr. Tyre Nichols is appalling and inexcusable.

Law enforcement agencies across the nation have worked tirelessly to better themselves and their reputations in their respective communities and cities, particularly since the death of George Floyd in 2020. These incidents are troubling and disgraceful, not only to the public and those who put their trust in this profession, but to every police officer who has taken the oath to protect and serve to heart. We cannot just say we will do better; we all must do better.