Friends of Bill Montgomery

University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake cut the ribbon yesterday on their new medical center in our city of Aberdeen. My wife and I toured the community center portion of the facility with President and CEO Elizabeth Wise.

The facility, which includes a full scale, 31,000-square-foot emergency department and Behavioral Health Pavilion with inpatient and outpatient care, will open in February. This resource will serve our community with state-of-the-art health care and other services.

Good morning to you. I'm on the air from 7-9am EDT. Join me and other 91.1 FM WHFC volunteers as we present the Holiday Extravaganza.

May your holiday Monday begin with peace, joy and family. Tune in live at this link:
harford.edu/experience/student-life/whfc/index.php

As the sun sets on our holiday season excursion to Germany, Salzburg and Greece, we ended our day at Psili Ammos beach. That's Turkey behind us on the right, under a mile away.

Three countries, ten cities, fifteen days, a few hundred roadway miles and over 180,000 steps - traveling reminds us to appreciate experiences over things.

Warm glühwein on a chilly evening, sorting out public transportation with travel buddies, snowcapped mountains on a winding road, strolling through towns, sipping a flat white at a cafe, sharing meals, and meeting cousins as the sun, clouds and waves dance on a somber island.

May you discover experiences that open the mind and refresh the soul.

There's something so mysterious and magical about the enormity of the sea and sky. They seem to connect is such a natural way.

Sipping a flat white coffee with family while gazing out at the Aegean awakens the soul to the simple things in life.

No paper cups or Styrofoam, it's about the experience - sitting with others, listening, and savoring the sea, sky, and clouds. Den pirázi!

One time zone, a two-hour flight southeast, and temperatures in the 60s. Spending time with family on a Greek island in the eastern Aegean Sea - priceless.

"Smell the sky, feel the numbers, and let your soul and your spirit fly" - Pythagoras.

We concluded our multi-city Christmas Market experience with another day in the city of Mozart, Salzburg.

Crossing the Makartsteg Footbridge over the Salzach River, you happen upon the century old tradition of affixing locks and tossing the key into the river symbolizing unbreakable and eternal love.

Mozart was baptized at Salzberg Cathedral and composed many of his pieces here. One can imagine him playing one of the five organs throughout the oldest baroque church in Austria.

Tomorrow, off to visit family in another country.

From the Bavarian Alps, we motored beyond the German border to Salzburg, the fourth largest city in Austria. The birthplace of Mozart and Silent Night, the town was the backdrop for the Sound of Music.

We summited the Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest European medieval castles high above the city. The Salzberger Christkindlmarkt, one of the oldest in the world, dating back to the late 15th century added a warmth to the chilly evening.

With our fifth market experienced, the centuries old tradition seems to bring together the new with the old. Smells, tastes, and people uniting around the spirit of the season - a fitting reminder as we enjoyed this adventure with good friends.

Before departing Rothenburg, we enjoyed a traditional German breakfast at the guest house where we stayed. Our next excursion found us in the Bavarian Alps at the towns of Oberammergau and Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Towering snow-covered mountains transformed the land into a glittering winter wonderland of white. The Christmas markets were filled with warm people, delicious foods, colorful ornaments and of course, warm Glühwein.

Frohes Weihnachtsfest!

Continuing westward in Bavaria, we departed the walled city of Nuernberg to another one in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The Christmas market in Rothenburg, known as the Reiterlesmarkt, dates back to the 15th century.

Town favorites included “Spätzle” (hot German egg noodles) slathered in crunchy caramelized onions. At evening's end, we enjoyed the night watchman tour as he recounted tales of his duties protecting the city during medieval times.

Frohe Weihnachten!

From Munich. we journeyed to Nuernberg. On the way, we stopped at the Dachau Concentration Camp before arriving in Nuremberg to experience one of the oldest Christkindlesmarkts in the world.

The early afternoon snow-covered fields and subzero temperatures added a painfully chilling atmosphere as we walked the first and long running N**i concentration camps opening in March 1933.

That evening handmade Christmas decorations, Lebkuchen and Spekulatius almond cookies, and Nuernberg bratwurst greeted our senses. The distinct sweet aroma of hot Glühwein, the traditional mulled wine of Germany, filled the square as the Nuernberg angel looked down. Prost! Zum Wohl!

A trip we started planning in the Fall, has started. Travelling to experience Christmas in Bavaria, Germany is easily one of the most festive things to do in December.

Famous for their beauty, Christmas markets celebrate cheer throughout the Advent season. Our introduction was the capital of Bavaria, Munich.

The sights and smells of the Christkindlmarkt in the Marienplatz, one of the oldest in Bavaria was our first experience. Mulled wine, freshly roasted almonds, chestnuts, tempting grilled sausages and Advent sweetmeats such as spicy “Pfeffernüsse” biscuits and “Magenbrot” cake keep the body and soul together.

The third day of my Aberdeen City government orientation continued to prove engaging and informative.

The concise updates and background provided a balanced foundation as I begin City Council duties. Met with the Main Street Coordinator and the Chief and Deputy Chief of Police.

Sharing and discussing with our City professionals was a true delight and am thankful they made so much time for me to understand the current and future state of operations.

Continuing my orientation with the Aberdeen City Hall staff, day two included updates from the Director of Planning, Department of Public Works and Finance.

Very in-depth discussions on future zoning, infrastructure upgrades and the budget gave me a solid appreciation of foundational areas I need to understand. Appreciate their time and candid reflections as I try to prepare myself to serve the citizens of Aberdeen.

Spending time with the Aberdeen City Staff is helping me understand how they support our citizens.

During my first day, I completed the necessary forms to in process with the human resources director, configured my council digital device with the IT lead and discussed processes and procedures with the Clerk.

Very open and candid discussions provided a great foundation for my service on City Council.

Walking footpaths surrounded by trees and lights at night just brings home the Spirit of this Season. Spent a chilly cloudless evening with our family at the Longwood Gardens Christmas celebration - 50 miles of outdoor lights, 550,000 lights, on over 150 outdoor trees.

Light drives away the darkness. It symbolizes hope and beginnings, knowledge and safety. May the lights of this Season remind us of generosity, kindness, and charity.

Charitable nonprofits embody the best of our communities. They provide a way for people to work together for the common good, transforming shared beliefs and hopes into action.

This week, I visited Voices of Hope - Maryland in Aberdeen. Rachel Pedersen and PJ sat down with me sharing their passion for the recovery community, helping others find freedom from addiction and live the life of their dreams.

T.J. celebrated seven years clean on November 21. A majority of the folks who come through the doors of the Aberdeen center are homeless - a topic of interest during the campaign. Unless you understand the people, you really don't get an appreciation of the homeless and recovery.

As I departed the Aberdeen office, they invited me to add to the Community Safety Net. The Net signifies the community people and services that a person can rely on to help when they are in a difficult situation. I chose the yellow color symbolizing "I support recovery" and wrote a message of commitment and attached the bandana to the existing net on the wall.

Check out the Voices of Hope page to learn more on how you can help.

Monday evening, a personal service milestone began with the Oath of Office at the Aberdeen City Council Chambers.

On the heels of Thanksgiving weekend, I'm thankful, humbled and committed to the over 18,200 Aberdeen citizens for trusting in my ability to serve and represent them.

Neighbors, friends, citizens and family witnessed a sacred rite that began since the dawn of the United States when American officials started their tenures by performing the oath of office.

Over the past two weeks, I've met individually with all Councilmembers, the Mayor, State Delegates and Senator, and reached out to several community groups that voiced concerns during the Campaign. I look forward to connecting with more of you as I begin my learning phase of this public office.

Follow this page, to experience the journey with me. Ask questions, share insights and let's begin the discovery together. People First, Community Always. Success is Never Achieved Alone.

Photo credit: Matt Terry and Paul Chuffo

Veterans SITREP completed its 20th episode this week. On Veterans Day, let's go beyond thank you for your service. To honor veterans, we can all go beyond ‘Thank you' to make an ongoing impact for the veteran community.

Over the past five months, Harford Community College 91.1 FM WHFC Veterans SITREP began the discussion with stakeholders who influence the veteran community to share, learn and offer resources. Our intent is to connect with veterans and their community in a meaningful way.

Whether you are a veteran, spouse, caregiver, or someone who wants to learn more about veterans, tune in on Spotify at https://lnkd.in/eiyK983f

It's been an honor to host and co-produce this groundbreaking outreach. Reach out, make a call, send a text, grab a coffee and let a veteran know you care by getting involved. We'll never forget, service never stops.

Election unofficial results are in. Thank you for trusting me to serve you on the Aberdeen City Council. With 9 candidates vying for 4 seats, I'm honored to serve our community.

Three incumbent members were reelected, and I'll represent the new Veteran voice on the Council. I'm ready to work with the Council and Mayor to ensure the City Council becomes the People's Council.

With Veterans Day just days away, I couldn't have a more genuine reminder of what it means to serve others. People First, Community Always. Success is Never Achieved Alone.

Tomorrow is election day, a chance to choose the next Aberdeen City Council. My lifetime of public service brings an experienced new voice who will place people and community first.

Come out to vote from 7am - 8pm at the Community Center located at 7 Franklin St, in Aberdeen. I look forward to earning your vote as one of the four council seats.

People First, Community Always. True Success is Never Achieved Alone.

Another day in Austin with our daughter enjoying more great eats and venues.

Had breakfast at Austin's oldest Tex-Mex Cafe established in 1950 by Rudy Cisneros, "The man who made huevos rancheros famous." So of course, I tried the huevos rancheros.

Then we strolled to the west side of Austin for some snacks and sign laughs at El Arroyo, a Tex-Mex restaurant offering the wittiest signs on their marque since the early 80s.

Ended the day at the Dirdie Birdie, nestled in North Austin's restaurant district. It combined an elevated, immersive mini golf course with a culinary experience deserving of its own spotlight.

A birthday destination trip from our daughter for her and I was well timed.

After exploring the Aberdeen communities for the past seven weeks, seeing another part of our country enlightened the palate and revealed so many meaningful experiences. We opened the door in the capital of Texas: home to delicious food, historical sites, live music and inviting people.

Humpty's Wall of Breakfast greeted us with a "your eggcellence" sandwich. Later in the afternoon, a three-hour food tour sprinkled with historic venues introduced us to Coopers pit bar-b-que, migas tacos at Veracruz All Natural, a honey berry smoothie at Juiceland, substituting pastrami-based Reubin at Jewboys Sliders, and a flan, caramel tart to relax the taste buds.

Parker's Jazz Club offered an unforgettable live experience to end the day. “To travel is to take a journey into yourself.” -- Danny Kaye

With a week before election day, it's time to get out campaign information to those who live in secure apartments, nursing homes and senior living facilities.

Over 280 envelopes hit the post office this afternoon to complete our connection with every voter in Aberdeen. Polls open at 7 am through 8 pm next Tuesday.

Let's get a veteran on the Council to bring new ideas and thinking to our community.

Yesterday my wife and I completed our journey through all 28 Aberdeen municipal communities. The neighborhoods of Braemer and Swan Meadows were busy with voters enjoying the warm weather, collecting leaves and mowing their lawns.

Many shared anticipations of new ideas and representation on the City Council. Can't thank my wife enough for joining me on this journey, organizing the community walks and serving as campaign treasurer.

The community "neighborsations" changed us in a truly unique and enduring way. "We become neighbors when we are willing to cross the road for one another" - Henri J. M. Nowven.

Campaign canvassing continues through the neighborhoods of North Deen, Barnett/Giles Lane, Holly Circle/ Drive and Dorsey/ Elmhurst Streets. Just two more communities to go!

It was an extra treat to check out the new North Deen Skate Park. Our City has an appealing quality of life and I pledge to protect and improve it.

Just 10 Days till Election Day, make a plan to vote and tell 10 friends. True Success is Never Achieved Alone.

Join me at the League of Women Voters (LWV) Candidate forum this evening at 6:30 PM in the Aberdeen Public Library. The LWV is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that empower voters through education and advocacy.

The LWV does not support or oppose candidates or political parties at any level. Tonight's forum will help inform voters in preparation for the upcoming November 7 election.

Hope to see you at this event so you can make an informed decision.

Enjoyed meeting voters in the Hill Land and Dol Ray communities yesterday. Many shared concerns over zoning, namely the Re-Zoning Requests for the 400-700 Blocks of W. Bel Air Avenue that would disrupt the historic value and increase traffic density.

Since beginning my journey through all of the Aberdeen communities in early September, leaves are changing to the fall colors. You also sense the personality of the homes.

Seeing a British telephone booth in one front yard Halloween display brought back memories of my time living in Europe. There are many pets as part of the households. Enjoyed one voter's front door message regarding the "crazy dogs".

With over 1700 homes touched, I'm truly seeing our communities in a way that enlightens and informs.

One of the things I enjoy most about campaigning is walking neighborhoods and talking to voters throughout Aberdeen. The last few days, I've enjoyed connecting with the Hillsdale community.

Along the way, I enjoyed several conversations with constituents who are supporting my campaign because they want a candidate who takes the time to walk through their neighborhoods.

No place I'd rather be than surrounded by the veteran community on a Saturday morning.

Spent yesterday at the Harford County Government Veterans Resource Fair. Hundreds of veterans and their families met a large collection of core Maryland VA support services ready to assist in their needs.

In recognition of Harford County’s 250th anniversary, this year’s theme was “250 Years of Harford County Supporting Service Members, Veterans and Their Families.” Met many Harford Community College WHFC 91.1 Veterans SITREP show supporters during the day.

Special thanks to the Harford County Veterans Commission for a first-class event. “A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.” Bob Dylan

Over the past few days, I've enjoyed meeting voters in the communities of Baldwin Manor, Sherwood Homes and Swan Meadows. Walking through neighborhoods you find gems hidden in places that really make your think.

As I was walking in one stairwell, I noticed a call to action colorfully painted on the wall: "Don't look down on somebody unless you are helping them up" - Jesse Jackson. Fitting words to ponder as we move to facilitate healthy communities.