Keeping Up With Kate - Oct. 22, 2025 (English)

Dear Friends,

Councilmember Gabe Albornoz announced last week that he plans to resign from the Council on Dec. 1, 2025. While the Council is disappointed to lose such a talented colleague, we understand and respect his decision. 

Montgomery County is a better place thanks to Gabe’s public service both on the Council and as the former director of the Montgomery County Recreation Department under County Executive Isiah Leggett. His legislative body of work has focused on key public health and public safety issues, the importance of early education and childcare and providing key resources for those who have the greatest need in our County. Gabe’s dedication to our community is evident in the way he approaches public policy issues, builds consensus and forms lasting partnerships. His civility, compassion, enthusiasm, and integrity will be greatly missed at the Council. 

In accordance with Montgomery County Charter Section 106 and Montgomery County Code Section 16-17, a Council vacancy that occurs on or after Dec. 1 the year before a four-year election is filled with an appointee. I want to assure our residents that the work of the Council will continue without disruption as we begin the process to appoint a temporary councilmember to fulfill the rest of Councilmember Albornoz's term. 

The Council appointee must reside in Montgomery County and be registered to vote as a Democrat, which is the same political party registration held by Councilmember Albornoz. The Council is also seeking a resident, who is knowledgeable about budgetary, public policy and legislative work, to serve in this caretaker role. 

The deadline for applicants to submit a letter of interest and resume to the Council is Nov. 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. Submit applications via email to: [email protected]. Learn more.

Sincerely,

Kate Stewart

Council President

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer awareness is as important as ever, with one in every eight American women receiving a diagnosis in their lifetimes. Raising awareness is especially important considering the higher mortality rates faced by Black and Hispanic patients due to later detection and barriers in accessing care.

In 2025, it is projected that nearly 317,000 women and 3,000 men in this country will face the challenge of invasive breast cancer, and more than 42,000 women will be lost to the disease.

We encourage residents to proactively consult with their physicians and get regularly scheduled mammograms. Together, through awareness, early detection, and compassion, we can help improve outcomes for patients and continue the fight against this disease.

Youth Town Hall on Nov. 5

The Council will host its annual Youth Town Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Council Office Building in Rockville. This is a great opportunity for students to come out and share their priorities directly with their local representatives. Listening to the aspirations and priorities of our students helps inform the Council’s policymaking. Students will receive student-service learning hours for their participation. Learn more.

Halloween Safety Tips

Celebrate Halloween safely this year with tips for drivers and pedestrians. Drivers should be aware of increased pedestrian traffic on and around Halloween. Drivers are encouraged to take extra precautions, be alert for trick-or-treaters and pedestrians, and slow down and scan the road. If you see a drunk driver, call 9-1-1 to report it.

Pedestrians are encouraged to avoid walking alone, follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals, and cross at crosswalks. If you are out after dark, use reflective gear on costume or bags, and use glow sticks or flashlights.

Barks & Brews Fall Festival on Oct. 25

The Pike District Partnership will host the free Barks & Brews Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 25. Enjoy a day of food, live music, and Halloween fun! Dress up your dog (and yourself!) for the Costume Parade & Contest, and bring your chairs and blankets for an outdoor movie screening as the sun sets.

FARMS Enrollment and Capital Area Food Bank Resources

Eligible families with MCPS students can apply year-round for Free And Reduced-price Meals (FARMS). Only one application is needed for all students in a household. Learn more and apply for meal benefits today.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by the government shutdown and is in need of food assistance, food distribution events are available throughout the region. The Capital Area Food Bank will hold distributions in Montgomery County at So What Else (located at 6116 Executive Blvd., North Bethesda, MD 20852) on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. -11:30 a.m. To receive food, visitors will need to show a government work ID.

More information on where neighbors can access free groceries can be found on the Capital Area Food Bank website.

Happy Diwali

Happy Diwali to all who celebrate! May this Festival of Lights bring joy, prosperity, and peace to you and your loved ones. As we illuminate our homes and communities, let’s also spread kindness, unity, and hope.

Kate in the Community:

Mobilize Montgomery Ribbon Cutting

In Montgomery County and across Maryland, we value public service and we’re grateful for our federal workers and all they have done to support people across the country and around the world. I was proud to join the ribbon-cutting for the recent opening of the Mobilize Montgomery Federal Workforce Career Center, created in partnership with WorkSource Montgomery. This is the nation’s first career center dedicated to helping displaced federal workers find gainful employment. Learn more about the services offered at their website mobilize-montgomery.com/.

Know Your Rights with the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus and CASA

I recently joined members of the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus, Chair Delegate Ashanti Martinez, Delegate Teresa Woorman and Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins and CASA for a community meeting to discuss how state and County leaders are working together to protect our community, strengthen local services and make sure every resident knows their rights.

International Pronouns Day

Councilmembers Evan Glass, Kristin Mink and I recently led the Council in a proclamation recognizing International Pronouns Day. Using someone’s preferred pronouns is the most basic way to respect and affirm their identity. While the current federal administration continues to strip the LGBTQIA+ community of their rights, it is imperative that Montgomery County remains a safe and welcoming place for all. Asking and respecting others’ pronouns is crucial to maintaining an inclusive environment. For more information on pronoun use https://pronouns.org/what-and-why.

Design Excellence Awards

I was thrilled to celebrate the winners of the 2025 Design Excellence Awards. The awards recognize development projects that exemplify Montgomery County’s best architecture, urban design, and housing. Congratulations to this year’s winners. Fivesquares Development for Strathmore Square adjacent to the Grosvenor Metro was awarded the inaugural Gwen Marcus Wright Design Excellence Award for exceptional urban design. I was also excited to see the designers and architects of the Montgomery College Leggett Math and Science Building honored and recognized. Both of these projects have transformed our district for residents of all ages.

Mental Health Corner

Turntable Counseling

Turntable Counseling is a POC-centered, queer-competent, open and affirming mental health practice in Burtonsville. Turntable Counseling provides culturally responsive and liberation-focused therapy for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. The team offers virtual and in-person sessions, specializing in supporting clients navigating stress, trauma, neurodiversity, mood and anxiety disorders, cultural identity concerns, relational challenges, and life transitions.

To learn more or to schedule a session, visit turntablecounseling.com or email [email protected].