Image via CSG.

Not so much happens in August around here, but a few great things do. Upcoming events include an exciting panel about Montgomery’s BRT plan, Dan Reed’s charrette on Silver Spring’s Flower Theatre, activism training for Pro-DC, the first public meetings about a major study of the Northeast Corridor rail, and a tour of the McMillan site.

Montgomery County, like many suburban areas, has long been stuck in a cycle of car dependence, where any growth brings more traffic. The Purple Line and a countywide BRT system could free the county to add jobs and residents in a walkable way.

People have been discussing the Purple Line for years, but the BRT network has recently joined it on the scene. On Wednesday, residents who helped devise the plan will talk on a panel organized by the Coalition for Smarter Growth.

The panel is Wednesday, August 8, 7 pm (doors open at 6:30) at the Silver Spring Civic Center, 1 Veterans Place. RSVP here.

Imagine the Flower: Dan Reed’s charrette on the Flower Theatre, also in Silver Spring, is tomorrow. How can the theater bloom again into a space that serves the community? People will discuss this on Saturday from 10-1 at Fenton Street Market, in Veterans Plaza at the corner of Fenton Street and Ellsworth Drive in downtown Silver Spring.

Ride the Lion: Sunday is the Frederick Douglass Family Festival, at the historic site dedicated to the Lion of Anacostia. At 3 pm, WABA is organizing a leisurely bike ride through the neighborhood and along the river.

Be an activist: There are going to be a lot of big issues to decide this fall, including the zoning update and parking policies. Pro-DC is organizing an activism training for you to learn how to best testify at public meetings, recruit others and get involved.

The training is on Wednesday, August 15 at Laughing Man Tavern, 1306 G Street, NW near Metro Center Metro. Doors open at 6 and the workshop runs from 6:30-7:30. RSVP here.

Scope the NEC: Do you care about Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor or any of the commuter railroads that ply its length? The Federal Railroad Administration is doing a comprehensive study of the corridor and what capital investments will help it continue to grow, serve more passengers, and serve existing passengers better.

There is a series of public meetings along the corridor, from Boston to DC, in coming weeks. DC’s is on Tuesday, August 21 at the Council of Governments, 777 North Capitol St near Union Station. Baltimore’s is Wednesday, August 15 at the University of Baltimore’s Thumel Conference Facilities. Each has an open house from 4:30-7:30 pm and a presentation at 5:30. You can also send comments electronically.

Learn about McMillan: One of DC’s biggest development proposals, and controversies, involves the McMillan San Filtration Site by North Capitol and Michigan Avenue. The master planner, a development partner, ANC Commissioner, and the Coalition for Smarter Growth will show you the site and the plans on Saturday, August 25, from 10 am to noon. Meet at First and Channing, NW, accessible by the H3/H4 and 80 buses. RSVP here.

These and other events are on the Greater Greater Washington calendar. Got an event we should include? Let us know at events@ggwash.org.