Montgomery Village turns 50
by Mike Conroy
2016 will be an exciting year for our community—Montgomery Village is turning 50 years old! Over the last 49 years, we’ve watched the Village grow, change and flourish into the proud community it is today. Next year, we celebrate those accomplishments and milestone anniversary as we look to the future and what the next 50 years will mean for the community.
In December 2014, the Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) Board of Directors appointed a group of residents to the 50th Anniversary Committee to begin planning celebration activities and events for the whole community. After a year’s work, the committee has made plans to celebrate that are family-friendly, acknowledge Village history and make a commitment to the future of the community.
Celebration Activities
Activities and events include some new ideas and some added themes to existing events. Celebrations include: a 50th Anniversary Party; an art exhibition at the Art, Craft and Photography Show; the MVF Annual Meeting; an Arbor Day Celebration; a Seniors in Action luncheon; decade-themed musical selections by the Montgomery Village Community Band at the Summers in South Valley Park concert series kickoff; reduced ride rates at the July 4th Celebration; a special concert by “The Reagan Years”; dedication of a Historical Marker; a Nature Center Celebration; themed activities at the Great Pumpkin Race; and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. A limited number of 50th Anniversary giveaway items will also be associated with many of the activities.
50th Anniversary Party
On Sunday, Feb. 28, residents are invited to Lake Marion Community Center, 8821 East Village Avenue, to kick off the celebration activities and celebrate the anniversary of groundbreaking for Montgomery Village. Enjoy family fun from 2 to 4 p.m. with George Washington from the Washington Nationals; a free photo booth; Village trivia; fitness walk information; and create a community mural; enjoy free refreshments and more!
MV Logo License Plates
In addition to the activities planned for the anniversary party and the entire year, Village residents can now show their community pride all year long with official Montgomery Village Logo License Plates from the MVA.
The approval process requires a list of 25 initial interested residents with vehicles registered in Maryland; those interested need to provide their name, address, make/model of vehicle and current license plate number. Those on the list will have the first opportunity to purchase the logo license plates from the MVA for $25 (current plates must be surrendered). It is anticipated that the first run of the logo plates will be available in March. After 25 commitments are confirmed, the application will be submitted to the state. After the request for the custom plates is approved by the state, additional plates can be ordered by residents.
For information or questions on any of the 50th Anniversary celebration activities, contact Director of Recreation, Parks and Culture Peggy Mark at 240-243-2337 or e-mail