New residents to Montgomery Village attended the annual New Residents Welcome Reception on Wednesday, Nov. 15 and were greeted by MVF staff; Board Vice President Doniele Ayres; and county officials, including Commander Eric Stancliff and officers from the 6th District Police Department and Senator Nancy King (D39).

Members from the MVF Board of Directors, MVF staff, residents and elected officials, including Senator Nancy King (center), who was instrumental in securing $700,000 in funding to make this project happen, cut the ribbon to officially open the Outdoor Fitness Park at Watkins Mill Recreation Area, 19501 Club Lake Road, on a rain-soaked day in July.

MVF Board members, staff and Brightview join in planting a tree at Whetstone Community Center for Arbor Day. MVF has been designated a Tree City for 35 consecutive years. This national recognition is awarded by the National Arbor Day Foundation to honor commitment to forestry.

Check out the new Summer Camp offerings this year! Get the details in the Spring Recreation Guide and special deals at the MVF Summer Camp and Employment Fair, scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4 at North Creek Community Center, 20125 Arrowhead Road.

Be sure to register for the 2023 MVF Sweetheart Dance. Enjoy this special evening of groovy tunes and sweet treats with your sweetheart. Wrap up the night with a beautiful balloon drop and photo against our valentine backdrop.

MVF's annual Great Pumpkin Race and Fall Festival is right around the corner. This unique side-by-side single-elimination race features handcrafted racers made from real pumpkins by you! See more details in the Recreation Guide inserted in this issue.

MVF Board members, staff, Brightview and Sen. Nancy King join in planting a tree at Lake Whetstone Park in honor of Past President Pete Webb's service to the community and for Arbor Day. MVF has been designated A Tree City for 34 consecutive years.

The MV Farmers' Market will be back for the 2022 season from June through October and we're calling all vendors to participate.

MVF's Great Pumpkin Race and Fall Festival was back in action this year and the pumpkin racers and crowd did not disappoint. Participants were excited to show off their creatively decorated pumpkins and even see our referee Radio "Smash It!" See more on page 12.

Oh Susannah! and our other KidjA.M. guests Pam the Kindersinger, Ray Owen and Kidsinger Jim got crowds of tots up on their feet and having fun. The performers were at Apple Ridge Recreation Area on Wednesday mornings in July beginning this year.

MVF Board members and staff join in planting a tree in honor of Past President Glenn Gargan’s service to the community and for Arbor Day. MVF has been designated A Tree City for 33 consecutive years. This national recognition is awarded by The National Arbor Day Foundation to honor commitment to

Start thinking about summer weather and summer camp! Check out the full line-up of MVF Camps in the Spring Recreation Guide inserted in this issue.

Although we weren't able to gather and celebrate the Village Tree Lighting with a visit from Santa and carols from the Watkins Mill choral group while sipping hot cocoa, the tree was lit on Wednesday, December 2 for all passersby to enjoy.

Montgomery Village Foundation's Recreation and Parks Department hosted a Tricked-Out Rides and Sweet Treats event on October 30 for Village residents who pre-registered for one of several time slots. Dressed up cars, candy and costumes were enjoyed by many and protective factors were observed

North Creek tennis courts got a recent makeover. While the upper court remains a standard tennis court, the bottom court was transformed into three pickleball courts on one side and a futsal court on the other side. MVF hopes residents will enjoy the diversified options.

Last week, Senator Nancy King, Montgomery County Council President Sidney Katz, MVF EVP Dave Humpton, Board President Pete Webb and representatives from Lidl and Doyle Construction Company broke ground for the new Lidl grocery store to be built on the former Professional Center site. Keep a watch for major activity to start happening soon!

MVF's safely distanced Water Aerobics class kicked off on August 4 and will continue through the month every Tuesday and Thursday at Lake Marion Pool, 8821 East Village Avenue, from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Visit

Montgomery Village camps are underway and offering summer fun for ages 4 to 13. Visit www.montgomeryvillage.com for registration information and details about how we're keeping staff and campers safe.

Don't miss Montgomery Village's 46th annual Art, Craft and Photography Show with all new family and adult sessions.

MVF Board President Glenn Gargan presented Susan Young a Certificate of Appreciation for her 9 years of service on the MVF Recreation Committee at the MVF Board meeting on January 23.