GreenFest Returns at BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown on Saturday, April 27

Montgomery County's free Earth Month celebration, GreenFest, returns on Saturday, April 27, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown. GreenFest, the County’s largest annual environmental festival now in its ninth year, is organized by a coalition of public and nonprofit partners and will feature more than 50 eco-conscious vendors including green businesses and environmental nonprofits available for demonstrations.

The BlackRock Center for the Arts is located at 12901 Town Commons Dr. in Germantown The festival will take place from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

This year’s event, held on the lawn of BlackRock, will be located near the Germantown Transit Center at the corner of Aircraft Driveand Century Boulevard, a short walk away. Walking, biking or taking the bus to the event is encouraged. For a map and schedule of Ride On buses, visit the Ride On website. For Metro buses and Metro schedules, visit the WMATA website.

Activities for all ages at Greenfest will include a Latin American Folkloric dance performance, community Zumba, music, exhibits, scavenger hunt, face painting, nature walks, games and plenty of giveaways. Attendees can also peruse locally made products at the arts and crafts fair while discovering the latest in electric vehicle technology at the electric vehicle showcase.

"Montgomery County is committed to building a culture of environmental responsibility, and GreenFest plays a vital role in engaging residents of all ages and backgrounds," said County Executive Marc Elrich. "Change begins with knowledge and events like these offers a wealth of activities, demonstrations and resources to inspire and educate for generations to come. I extend my gratitude to our Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Transportation, Montgomery Parks, the Latino Health Initiative, BlackRock Center for the Arts, local nonprofits like One Montgomery Green, Bethesda Green, Poolesville Green, and all of our community for their ongoing efforts in organizing this event. I encourage everyone to join us."

GreenFest in Germantown will happen near many attractions and restaurants. Food trucks will not be available at Greenfest this year.

"GreenFest stands as a testament to the commitment of our community to protect our environment, improve quality of life, and take action on climate change,” said DEP Director Jon Monger. “I am thrilled that we are not only able to make environmental progress year after year, but that our residents join us in celebrating and reinforcing our collective efforts.”

Visit the GreenFest website for more information or visit or follow #MCGreenFest via social media.

County Executive Marc Elrich to Deliver ‘State of the County’ Address in Rockville on Thursday, May 2

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich will deliver his “State of the County” address at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, at the Executive Office Building in Rockville.

The Executive Office Building is located at 101 Monroe Street in Rockville. The event, which will be in the building’s terrace level, is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served before the event.

In his address, County Executive Elrich will reflect on the County’s accomplishments and the challenges and opportunities ahead.

The Executive Office Building is two blocks from the Rockville Metrorail Station on the Red Line. Parking is available in the lot at the corner of Monroe and East Jefferson streets and in the Council Office Building garage.

The address will be carried live on County Cable Montgomery (CCM) and streamed live on the County’s X account, Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Specific Communities Can Get Updates on Purple Line Through Virtual Meetings in May

 

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration will hold seven Purple Line Community Advisory Team (CAT) meetings in May. The virtual meetings will be targeted for specific neighborhoods and will include member-driven teams of representatives appointed by neighborhoods, community residents, civic and business associations and local governments.

The Maryland Transit Administration is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States. The Purple Line will be a 16-mile, 21-station light rail line that will extend from New Carrollton in Prince George’s County to Bethesda in Montgomery County. It will directly connect to the Metro’s Red, Green and Orange lines at Bethesda, Silver Spring, College Park and New Carrollton. The Purple Line also will connect to MARC, Amtrak and local bus services.

Update meetings could most impact the Montgomery communities of Silver Spring (May 7), University Boulevard (May 9), Bethesda-Chevy Chase (May 14), Greater Lyttonsville-Woodside (May 21) and Long Branch (May 23).

“Progress of the Purple Line has reached an exciting period, and our team looks forward to sharing this progress with the public,” said Purple Line Senior Project Director Ray Biggs II. “Our spring CAT meetings will show future Purple Line stations taking shape, miles of installed track and completed neighborhood improvements such as the Talbot Avenue Bridge.”

The Purple Line project team will include representatives from the concessionaire, Purple Line Transit Partners, and Maryland Transit Solutions, the design-builder. They will provide area-specific updates in addition to overall project information. Each meeting will incorporate dedicated time for CAT members and residents to ask questions.

The virtual meetings will be held via Microsoft Teams, offering captioning services in multiple languages. Instructions on how to enable live captioning are posted on the project website, purplelinemd.com. Questions on the CAT meetings can be directed to the outreach team at outreach@purplelinemd.com.

All meetings will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. The schedule for specific neighborhoods is as follows:

• Thursday, May 2. Riverdale Park – New Carrollton
• Tuesday, May 7. Silver Spring
• Thursday, May 9. University Boulevard
• Tuesday, May 14. Bethesda-Chevy Chase
• Thursday, May 16. College Park
• Tuesday, May 21. Greater Lyttonsville-Woodside
• Thursday, May 23. Long Branch

To learn more, visit purplelinemd.com.

Long-Awaited Montgomery College East County Education Center Opens in Silver Spring

Montgomery College on April 20 dedicated its East County Education Center in Silver Spring. It will be an important part of the County's commitment to providing accessible education and career opportunities to all residents.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Andrew Friedson, Montgomery College President Jermaine Williams, chair of the Montgomery College Board of Trustees Michael Brintnall were key speakers at the ceremonies, which were attended by State and County elected officials, community leaders and residents. Among those attending were County Councilmembers Will Jawando and Kristin Mink and Maryland State Delegates Bernice Mireku-North, Pamela Queen and Jheanelle Wilkins.

The ceenter is located at Westech Corner (2221 Broadbirch Drive) in Silver Spring, near U.S. Rt. 29 in an area that is an economic anchor for East County and it will assist the County’s workforce development efforts, provide easier access to education and training to East County residents and help spur more economic development throughout this region.

"The East County Education Center is evidence of our unwavering dedication to uplift our community," said County Executive Elrich. “Since taking office, I have been pushing this effort, and I am happy we are now able to expand East County's educational opportunities. I would like to thank Montgomery College and our dedicated partnerships for their commitment to improving East County.”

The East County Center will serve about 1,000 students in its first year. The three other campuses are in Germantown, Rockville and Takoma Park/Silver Spring. The college also has Workforce Development and Continuing Education Centers in Gaithersburg and Wheaton.

“The new East County Educational Center enables greater access to higher education and career-readiness training for talented students in the area," said Council President Friedson. "This strategic investment represents an important step toward enhanced economic mobility and expanded opportunities to live, learn, work and raise a family in East County and across Montgomery County."

County Executive Elrich has included more than $60 million in recommended funding in the County’s Fiscal Years 2025-30 Capital Improvement Program to begin planning a full-service East County campus. The Council has tentatively approved these funds.

“Montgomery College is thrilled to be opening this new center, filled with expanded opportunities for education and training in the East County," said College President Williams. "Residents can now study and train closer to home, for skilled jobs in the region. This innovative partnership is the result of tireless efforts by County Executive Marc Elrich, the County Council, the State of Maryland and local employers to create an ecosystem of equitable opportunity and success for residents in this region. Creating pathways to jobs with family-sustaining wages is part Montgomery College’s focus and this new center is just the beginning.”

The East County Education Center is a 55,000-square-foot building that consists of:

• 11 classrooms
• 10 labs (six allied health labs, three computer labs and one career training education lab)
• Raptor Center (a one-stop shop for admissions, enrollment and visitor services)
• Community Engagement Center
• Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Center
• Learning Center
• Library
• Event spaces
• Worksource Montgomery
• Student Wellness Center
• Study rooms and lounges

“The new East County Education Center is a significant milestone that shows our commitment to providing the high quality, affordable education our residents deserve,” said Councilmember Jawando. “This expansion is an investment not only in our students, but also in the economic development and overall well-being of the entire East County. I firmly believe in the potential of every individual, and I know that this expansion will provide the necessary tools and support for our students to achieve that potential. Today, let's celebrate this big step toward building a stronger, more inclusive and more prosperous Montgomery County.”

In addition to the East County Education Center, the County recently celebrated other investments including the opening of Sprouts Farmers Market in the newly renovated Burtonsville Crossing Shopping Center.

"East County residents have long advocated for expanded access to higher education and workforce training on our side of the County,” said Councilmember Mink. "I'm grateful that Montgomery College, as well as my colleagues on the Council and in the State Legislature, recognize that need, and we are taking action. Thanks to this beautiful new facility, populated with top-tier instructors and programming, residents of East County are already registering for classes and entering the pipeline into careers in nursing, cybersecurity, criminal justice, and other in-demand fields."

The White Oak area in East County also will be seeing improvements. The County announced revitalization efforts for storefront facades and sidewalk improvements in the commercial area along Lockwood Drive.

A facade improvement project was recently completed in Hillandale, near the Hillandale Gateway currently under development. The County operates a Flash Bus Rapid Transit line on U.S. Rt. 29 (Colesville Road/Columbia Pike). Plans are also underway to increase the availability of affordable senior and mixed-income housing in East County.

"I am happy to celebrate the opening of the East County Education Center,” said Jewru Bandeh, East County regional director. “This is a testament to our collective efforts to bring positive change to the area.”

Subscribe to the East County Regional Services Center newsletter to stay updated on what’s happening in the area.

Antique Cars and Trucks, Live Farm Animals and Hay Wagon Rides Will Be Featured at Annual Gas and Steam Engine Show at Agricultural History Farm Park on April 27-28

Tractors of all types, antique cars and trucks, live animals, pony rides and hay wagon rides will be among the many activities on Saturday and Sunday, April 27-28, when the annual free Gas and Steam Engine Show returns to the Montgomery County Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood.

The Agricultural History Farm Park is located at 18400 Muncaster Road in Derwood. In addition to free admission, there is no charge for parking. The show will operate from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on April 27 and from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on April 28. The event is hosted by Friends of the Agricultural History Farm Park.

Activities on both days will include a craft show, hay wagon rides, pony rides (there will be a fee for the pony rides), a kiddie tractor pull, wood carving and old-time saw-mill demonstrations and a chance to see live animals up close. Chickens and goats will be among the animals at the show. There will be food for sale on-site. Music will be present in the afternoon on April 27.

The show will be held rain or shine. Pets on leashes are welcome.

The Agricultural History Farm Park is a scenic 455-acre park that features rolling hills, open fields, an apple orchard and a variety of farm animals. It offers a unique perspective on the County’s rich farming heritage. The park has barns, historic buildings, a modern farming activity center and other facilities.

For more information about the Agricultural History Farm Park, go to https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/agricultural-history-farm-park/.

Great Adventures Await Close to Home Throughout May by Exploring the Many Sides of the County

Visit Montgomery is encouraging visitors and residents alike to start spring by discovering many adventures that are close to home throughout the County. May will be “Go MoCo Month” and each week local shops, restaurants, hotels and attractions will offer special deals and events.

May in Montgomery will include MoCo Eats Week with special dining deals at many restaurants, discount packages for at hotels for a quick night or two away from home, tickets for 25 percent off for the Olney Theatre Center’s presentation of “Long Way Down” (May 24-June 2), live music at numerous venues and great ideas for gifts (especially for Mother’s Day).

Check-in at participating locations each week, using the Visit MoCo app, for a chance to win the Ultimate Go MoCo Giveaway, valued at $1,000. Search @visitmoco in the app store for a free download.

Find deals and events at www.visitmontgomery.com/go-moco

Residents Offered Opportunity to Go Solar with Capital Area Solar Switch

The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is promoting another round of the Capital Area Solar Switch program, a program dedicated to helping people switch to clean energy and save money on their electricity bills in an easy and transparent manner.

This is in collaboration with Solar United Neighbors, iChoosr and other Capital Area governments including the cities of Rockville, Takoma Park and Bowie. The program's first iteration, which ran from May to August of 2023 in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia, was a resounding success with almost 2,000 sign-ups.

Homeowners can register for free without any obligation to purchase solar panels. As part of the program, they will have the opportunity to get solar panels installed at a reduced cost. For more details and to register, go to SolarSwitch.com/CapitalArea.

“Montgomery County continues to pursue climate solutions for a greener future, but it is imperative to have the help of our residents as well,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Through important initiatives like the Capital Area Solar Switch, energy efficient actions are more attainable than ever. Through the power of group buying, the opportunity to install solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations at home is now more affordable.”

Since its inception in 2007 in Washington D.C., nonprofit organization Solar United Neighbors has been instrumental in organizing solar co-ops for residents who want to go solar. The initiative's impact has been felt not only in the Capital Area, but also in states like Illinois and Colorado. More than 20,000 people have signed up for Solar Switch programs in their respective communities, indicating a broad base growing interest in renewable energy sources.

Residents interested in participating in the program should register before May 8, as Solar Switch will host an auction for vetted solar installers on that date. The more people who sign up by the auction date, the more competitive the installer bids will be. 

Once the auction has concluded, recommendations tailored to each household will be emailed to all participants by July 24. The Solar Switch program aims to have all installations completed by the end of January 2025. During the most recent program, participating households saved an average of $4,115 on a typical-sized solar installation. Available state and federal incentives can further reduce system costs. 

Montgomery County has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2027 and by 100 percent by 2035. Combined with the new Inflation Reduction Act's clean energy incentives, implementing this program will be significant toward helping Montgomery County reach those goals.

"We are thrilled to see the positive impact of the Capital Area Solar Switch Program on our community,” said DEP Director Jon Monger. “This initiative not only empowers residents to embrace sustainable energy solutions, but also plays a crucial role in our efforts to protect our environment and combat climate change. By working together with Solar United Neighbors, we are making it easier and more affordable for our residents to transition to clean energy sources like rooftop solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations. This program is a key component of our strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly by 2027 and ultimately achieve our goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2035. Through the Capital Area Solar Switch Program, we are paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future for all."

Solar Switch makes it easy for homeowners and small businesses to learn about rooftop solar, battery storage and installation. This program takes advantage of group-buying power and Solar United Neighbors' expertise to ensure participants receive a quality system at a lower price. Solar Switch carefully screens qualified installers to compete for the group and manages a reverse auction to secure a competitively priced, turnkey solar package for potential solar customers.

Commission on Aging to Host Presentations About County Resources for Older Adults

Volunteers with the Montgomery County Commission on Aging’s (COA) Ambassador Program will host several presentations in April and May to share information on the various resources available for older adults.

The events will serve as an information-sharing platform and an opportunity for older adults to voice their needs and interests.

“I appreciate our ambassadors helping us inform residents about vital County resources and also ensure their voices are heard," said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. "I thank the Commission on Aging for hosting these events, and I hope residents will attend these sessions as we work together to support and empower our older adult residents."

Topics will include:

• Volunteer programs seeking community involvement.
• ARC Respite Coordination Program, which offers up to 40 hours per month of free respite care for eligible individuals caring for loved ones at home.
• Accessing free, durable medical equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, and shower chairs.
• Life transition programs and free transportation services tailored for County residents 60 and older.

Event time and locations:

• Tuesday, April 30. 10-11 a.m. Leisure World, 2901 N Leisure World Blvd., Silver Spring.
• Monday, May 6. 12:30-–3 p.m. White Oak Library, 11701 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring.
• Tuesday, May 7. 2-3 p.m. Courts of Clarksburg, 21922 Boneset Way, Germantown.

For more information on the events or the Commission on Aging, call the Aging and Disability Resource Unit at 240-777-3000.

58 Drop Boxes for Mail-in Ballots for May Maryland Primary Now in Place

The Montgomery County Board of Elections has established 58 ballot drop boxes for voters to submit completed mail-in ballots for the 2024 Presidential primary election. The ballot drop boxes will remain open until 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, May 14.

Applications to receive a mail-in ballot via USPS must be received by May 7, and the deadline to request a print-at-home mail-in ballot delivered via the Internet is Friday, May 10.

Those choosing to return their mail-in ballots by using ballot drop boxes must do it by the final collection time for their ballot to count. If returning mail-in ballots via USPS, mail-in ballot returning envelope must be postmarked no later than Tuesday, May 14. Post offices generally close by 5 p.m.

To identify the nearest ballot drop box or post office, text BOX plus zip code (example: BOX 20879) to 77788 or visit 777vote.org. To request a mail-in ballot, text VBM to 77788 or visit 777vote.org.

The Montgomery County Board of Elections has the following drop boxes available now:

• Activity Center at Bohrer Park, 506 South Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg
• Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Mill Road, Kensington
• Asbury Methodist Village, 201 Russell Avenue, Gaithersburg (limited access)
• Bauer Drive Community Rec Center, 14625 Bauer Drive, Rockville
• Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, 4301 East-West Highway, Bethesda
• Bette Carol Thompson Scotland Neighborhood Recreation Center, 7700 Scotland Drive, Potomac
• Clarksburg High School, 22500 Wims Road, Clarksburg
• Col. Zadok Magruder High School, 5939 Muncaster Mill Road, Rockville
• Damascus Community Rec Center, 25520 Oak Drive, Damascus
• Damascus High School, 25921 Ridge Road, Damascus
• East County Community Rec Center, 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring
• Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville
• Friendship Heights Village Center, 4433 South Park Avenue, Chevy Chase
• Gaithersburg High School, 101 Education Boulevard, Gaithersburg
• Germantown Community Recreation Center, 18905 Kingsview Road, Germantown
• Gwendolyn E. Coffield Community Recreation Center, 2450 Lyttonsville Road, Silver Spring
• James Hubert Blake High School, 300 Norwood Road, Silver Spring
• Jane E. Lawton Community Recreation Center, 4301 Willow Lane, Chevy Chase
• John F. Kennedy High School, 1901 Randolph Road, Silver Spring
• Leisure World of Maryland, 3701 Rossmoor Blvd., Silver Spring (limited access)
• Longwood Community Recreation Center, 19300 Georgia Avenue, Brookeville
• Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Ctr, 1000 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring
• Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center, 14906 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville
• Mid-County Community Recreation Center, 2004 Queensguard Road, Silver Spring
• Montgomery Blair High School, 51 University Boulevard East, Silver Spring
• Montgomery College - Germantown Bioscience Education Center, 20200 Observation Drive, Germantown
• Montgomery College - Rockville Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong Student Services Center, 51 Mannakee Street, Rockville
• Montgomery College - Takoma Park Charlene Nunley Student Services Center, 7625 Fenton Street, Takoma Park
• Montgomery County Board of Elections, 18753 North Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg (Drive-up Box)
• Montgomery County Conference Center Marriott Bethesda North, 5967 Executive Boulevard, North Bethesda
• Nancy H. Dacek N. Potomac Community Recreation Center, 13850 Travilah Road, Rockville
• Northwest High School, 13501 Richter Farm Road, Germantown
• Northwood High School, 919 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring
• Paint Branch High School, 14121 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville
• Poolesville High School, 17501 West Willard Road, Poolesville
• Potomac Community Rec Center, 11315 Falls Road Potomac
• Quince Orchard High School, 15800 Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg
• Richard Montgomery High School, 250 Richard Montgomery Drive, Rockville
• Riderwood Senior Living, 3140 Gracefield Road, Silver Spring (limited access)
• Robertson Park Youth Center, 801 Rabbitt Road, Gaithersburg
• Rockville City Hall, 111 Maryland Avenue, Rockville
• Rockville High School, 2100 Baltimore Road, Rockville
• Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Dept., 17921 Brooke Road, Sandy Spring
• Seneca Valley High School, 19401 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown
• Sherwood High School, 300 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Sandy Spring
• Silver Spring Civic Building, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring
• Springbrook High School, 201 Valley Brook Drive, Silver Spring
• Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park
• Thomas S. Wootton High School, 2100 Wootton Parkway, Rockville
• Upper County Comm. Rec Center, 8201 Emory Grove Road, Gaithersburg
• Walt Whitman High School, 7100 Whittier Boulevard, Bethesda
• Walter Johnson High School, 6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda
• Watkins Mill High School, 10301 Apple Ridge Road, Gaithersburg
• Wheaton High School, 12401 Dalewood Drive, Silver Spring
• Wheaton Library & Community Recreation Center, 11701 Georgia Avenue, Wheaton
• White Oak Community Rec Center, 1700 April Lane, Silver Spring
• Wilson Wims Elementary School, 12520 Blue Sky Drive, Clarksburg
• Winston Churchill High School, 11300 Gainsborough Road, Potomac

For election related information, call 240-777-8500 or visit www.777vote.org or the Maryland State Board of Elections’ website at https://elections.maryland.gov.

15th Gaithersburg Book Festival on May 18 to Offer Workshops for Aspiring Writers, Poets and Illustrators

The 15th Gaithersburg Book Festival, which has become one of the region’s most prestigious book festivals by annually bringing more than 100 authors to Montgomery County to talk about their works and adventures, on Saturday, May 18, will continue its tradition of offering free workshops to aspiring writers, poets and illustrators.

Those interested in writing thrillers, finding the inspiration to finish their first novel, looking to develop their own comics or graphic novels and even people who just hope to see their byline in the media are likely to find a workshop that will help.

The Gaithersburg Book Festival is a free, all-day celebration of books, writers and literary excellence. It will be held at Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm at 506 S. Frederick Ave. in Gaithersburg.

In addition to the writing workshops, activities at the book festival will include author appearances; discussions and book signings; a Children’s Village; onsite sales of new and used books; literary exhibitors and vendors selling food, drinks and ice cream.

Parking is limited on the site, but there will be free shuttles from the Shady Grove Metrorail Station and from the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg.

The workshops, which are 55 minutes long, will be held during the festival in the Adult and Teen Workshops Tent. No pre-registration is required for the workshops.

The schedule of writer/illustrator workshops on May 18 will include the following:

• Getting Out of Your Own Way to Forge Your Best Writing Life. 10 a.m. In this interactive workshop, presenter Amy L. Bernstein will explore psychological and emotional factors that hold you back from committing to your writing craft fully and authentically. Identify and confront the “tape loops,” values and cultural tropes that prevent you from finding time to write, taking your writing seriously and/or pursuing publication. Participants will take away fresh insights into their identity and behavior as writers along with basic techniques for turning their red light green.
• Memoir as Haiku. 11 a.m. Presenter Nancy Arbuthnot will talk about the classic Japanese haiku. You will leave with the poetic techniques of imagery, alliteration, assonance and consonance, and be able to create vignettes of significant life moments.
• Comics and Graphic Novels for Grown Ups. Noon. Whether through comics, manga, graphic novels, webtoons or beyond, words and pictures combine to tell dynamic stories that draw in readers of all ages. This workshop, led by Dave Roman, will explore how you can put your ideas on paper to tell creative, visual stories.
• How to Submit to Magazines and Newspapers. 1 p.m. Many writers dream of seeing their work published in newspapers and magazines, but are unsure how to achieve their goal.. Learn the tips of the trade from Laura Sturza, who will talk about how to prepare work for publication, researching prospective magazines and newspapers, writing a compelling pitch, learning best practices for keeping track of submissions and celebrating the successes and heartaches that come with the process.
• Creating Memorable Characters. 2 p.m. Learn how to create characters that pop off the page in this prompt-filled workshop designed to create distinctive and memorable characters. This workshop, led by Caroline Bock, will provide fast and fun exercises on description and dialogue.
• How to Write a Thriller. 3 p.m. Learn how to write a thriller with John DeDakis. This workshop offers an overview that demystifies and deconstructs how it is done—from the germ of an idea, through the creative process, with an eye on getting a finished book into the hands of potential fans. Discover the necessary components that make up a thriller and look at how to tap into your subconscious and life experiences to transform them into a book-length project.
• Finish Your Novel. 4 p.m. Have you been working and reworking the beginning of your novel but cannot seem to push past a certain point? This workshop, led by Eva Langston, will discuss common writer roadblocks and practical tips for overcoming them. It will talk about making a plan for finishing your novel, setting deadlines and learning ways to hold yourself accountable to your goals. This workshop is for anyone who is ready to finally type “the end.”

For the workshop schedule and more information about instructors, visit the Adult & Teen Workshops page of the festival website. There also will be Children’s Workshops geared to young writers, ages elementary school through high school.

More information about the book festival is available at gaithersburgbookfestival.org.