IN BRIEF

Forum Tonight Examines Watershed Restoration

The county's Department of Environmental Protection will host a public forum tonight to discuss restoration plans for the Great Seneca and Muddy Branch watersheds, both of which drain into Montgomery County sections of the Potomac River. Officials will discuss studies and answer questions regarding the affected areas.

Officials expect the restoration to protect water and sewer pipes and help maintain healthy ecosystems and recreational areas. Restoration methods under consideration include rain gardens, green roofs and ponds to reduce storm water flow intensity, as well as engineering enhancements to restore and reinforce stream channels and banks.

The meeting is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. in Room A of the Upcounty Regional Services Center, 12900 Middlebrook Rd. in Germantown. For information on the restoration plans, call the Department of Environmental Protection at 240-777-7700 or visit http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dep and click on "watershed restoration."

Residents Invited Online To Chat With Leggett

County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) will host a live online chat from noon to 1 p.m. today, inviting residents to ask questions and share concerns.

Participants can submit questions before or during the conversation by visiting the county Web site, http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov, and clicking on "Live Discussion with County Executive Ike Leggett." Residents will be able to view the discussion's questions and answers during and after the chat. Transcripts from previous chats are also available on the site. For information, call 240-777-2500.

Run to Benefit Rockville's Youth Recreation Fund

Rockville Town Center will host the 23rd annual Rockville Rotary Twilight Runfest on Saturday, featuring two races and a festival. The event will benefit the city's Youth Recreation Fund, which helps low-income Rockville youths participate in recreational programs.

The festival will offer refreshments and music from 7 to 11 p.m., and races will begin at 8:45 p.m. Runners can participate in the eight-kilometer Road Race for $35 or the one-kilometer Fun Run for $10. Road Race participants may enter as individuals or in teams of five or more, including at least two men and two women. Team entry costs an additional $10 in advance or $20 the day of the race.

Registration is available online, in person from 6 to 8 p.m. at the event or from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at Metro Run & Walk in Federal Plaza, 1776 E. Jefferson St. in Rockville. Town Center is at North Washington Street and Middle Lane. For information and registration, call 301-353-0200 or visit http://www.mcrrc.org/races/TwilightRunfest.

Animal Shelter Offers Free Rabies Vaccinations

The Montgomery County Animal Shelter will offer an outdoor rabies clinic for cats, dogs and ferrets from 10 to 11:30 a.m. July 27, weather permitting.

Pet owners must obey the following rules:

· Pets must be accompanied by an adult.

· Dogs must be leashed or harnessed.