My six year old son rides the school bus to school. He has been nervous about riding the bus. He has fears about what will happen if a responsible adult is not at the bus stop to pick him up in the afternoon. He is the only student at his bus stop, there are no other parents we can rely upon to help out if we are not at the stop. We've reassured him that the bus driver will not let him off the bus if his adult is not present. We've reassured him that the bus driver will take him back to his school, place him in after care and a responsible adult will pick him up from after care. We have cleared this plan with my son's bus driver. But, this is not the bus policy in the Montgomery County, Maryland public school system. If you children go to public school in Montgomery County, Maryland, read on about the county bus policy.

Spending Time with the Kids: 2013 Duck Splash Festival

     Are you recently separated or divorced and looking for an activity to do with the kids that would be fun but not cost a lot of money? How about attending the 2013 Duck Splash Festival at Washingtonian Center in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

     The event, to be held on September 28th from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., promises free activities and live entertainment. At approximately 3 p.m., 10,000 yellow ducks will splash into the lake. Anyone who adopts a duck ($5) will be entered for a chance to win great prizes. All proceeds benefit Arc Montgomery County which supports children, youth, adults, and families affected by intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

     If you attend, don’t forget to take lots of photos so that together you can relive and discuss the memories you made together.

(09/16/13)

Are you wondering where to view the fireworks this July 4th? If you are planning to be in Montgomery County, Maryland, you have several options.

The City of Rockville will be hosting it’s annual Fourth of July Celebration held at Montgomery College Rockville Campus, 51 Mannakee St. The festivities will begin at 7:00 p.m. with music and dancing. Fireworks are expected to begin at 9:15 p.m. 

Fireworks will also be shown in Gaithersburg at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. with entertainment beginning at 5:30 p.m. If you go, you can expect live music, strolling entertainers, and family friendly games and activities. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at dusk. If it rains, the City of Gaithersburg plans to hold the festivities on Friday July 5th.   

Germantown Glory will host it’s July 4th celebration at the South Germantown Recreational Park beginning at 7:00 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:15 p.m.  July 4th festivities begin at 7:30 p.m. at the annual Mid-County Sparkles July 4th celebration held at Albert Einstein High School in Kensington, Maryland. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m. Both locations plan a rain date on July 5th.

You should be aware that in Montgomery County it is illegal to possess or discharge fireworks, including gold label sparkers. You can have snap-and-pop noise makers, snakes and party poppers, but those are the only exceptions. It does not matter if you purchased the fireworks in another county or another state, they are still illegal in Montgomery County. Private fireworks displays are illegal, however, if you plan ahead and obtain the proper permits and licenses you can host a public fireworks display.  See What's Legal and What's Not for more fireworks information.   

Hess Family Law wishes you a fun filled and safe July 4th!

(07/01/13)