As the summer draws to a close, I’m happy to reflect on the incredibly hot and impactful journey One Montgomery Green (OMG) has experienced over these past few months. This season has been another example of our dedication to sustainability, collaboration, and positive change. From honoring local leaders to engaging in hands-on environmental stewardship, we’ve had an inspiring summer filled with incredible events and achievements.
It began with a celebration of excellence at the OMG 2024 Gala
This summer, we hosted our annual OMG Gala, where we had the privilege of celebrating the winners of the Maryland Green Registry Sustainability Leadership Awards. The evening was made even more special by our keynote speaker, Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain, whose words inspired us all to continue our work toward a sustainable future. We also honored Jim Epstein with the Marian Fryer Communitarian Award for his outstanding contributions to our community, and recognized Sligo Middle School’s Amy Cassagnol with the Teacher Appreciation Award for her unwavering commitment to environmental education.
And continued with hands-on environmental stewardship
Our commitment to preserving and protecting our local environment was in full force this summer. We teamed up with Anacostia Riverkeeper for a Water Quality Monitoring project in Sligo Creek where we collected critical data that helps us better understand the health of our waterways and ensure they remain clean for future generations. Partnering with the Friends of Sligo Creek, our stream cleanup efforts made a tangible impact, removing debris and pollutants that threaten our ecosystem. It’s always inspiring to see our community come together to make a real difference in our environment.
And our commitment to empowering the next generation and the community
OMG had the honor of participating for the second year in The Sustainable Solutions Summit, hosted by Forbright Bank and the Black Student Fund. This incredible event brought together students from 23 high schools across DC, Maryland, and Virginia for a week-long experience focused on developing sustainable business solutions. The creativity and passion these young minds brought to the table were truly inspiring. It’s clear that the future of sustainability is in good hands with this next generation of leaders. We didn’t just work hard this summer—we also made time to connect and celebrate! Our “Beat the Heat” Green Drinks event at The Limerick Pub in Wheaton was a fantastic opportunity to unwind and discuss green initiatives with friends and colleagues. We also felt the warmth of community support at the TGIF Wheaton Summer Concert Series, where we had the chance to engage with our neighbors and spread the word about OMG’s mission while managing the Beer Garden. I’m proud to share that OMG was awarded the Bronze Non-Profit of the Year award by the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, and we’re grateful for the community’s continued support.
Looking to the Future
We are also thrilled to announce that One Montgomery Green was selected by Purple Line Transit Partners (PLTP) to receive a ‘Beyond the Rails’ Community Grant. As PLTP continues to build the Purple Line, their commitment to connecting with and supporting our local communities has been clear. This grant will enable us to further our mission of creating a more sustainable and vibrant Montgomery County.
As I look back on this summer, I’m filled with pride and gratitude for all we’ve accomplished together. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our community, partners, and volunteers. Thank you for being a part of OMG’s journey, and here’s to continuing our work to make Montgomery County a greener, more sustainable place for all.