Dear Friends,
These times are difficult for all of us in many different ways, but today I wanted to take a moment to talk about some of our efforts to help those among us who are food insecure. With the shutdown and slowdown of the entire country, many of our neighbors are struggling in ways they would not have previously imagined. We in the County government, along with our partners in the nonprofit world and the volunteer community, are trying to help in as many ways as possible. We appreciate the hard work of so many in our community. Watch the video below for a glimpse into some of the work that is happening in our County.
I’d also like to take a moment to acknowledge that Wednesday is the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. I invite you to join a virtual musical celebration. Carpe Diem Arts, a local organization promoting the arts throughout our community, is hosting a “Love Your Planet” Earth Day virtual festival on Tuesday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m. An array of singers will perform and inspire us to join the movement to address climate change. Guest speakers include Denis Hayes, co-founder of the original Earth Day in 1970. If you are able, please join in and listen (and sing along in your homes) tomorrow night. More event details are here.
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 Marc Elrich, County Executive
 There is help for County residents who are food insecure due to the COVID-19 crisis. Emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP payments are available for the months of April and May for currently enrolled families. Other local programs are also available for residents who need access to food resources.
 A woman's pregnancy should be a time of joy and anticipation, but this can be a frightening and anxious period for many women who are pregnant during the COVID-19 outbreak. Montgomery County is continuing to offer services to women who are in need of prenatal care.
 Governor Larry Hogan’s executive order requiring face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has been expanded to include:
- Foodservice establishments
- Public transportation, including ridesharing and taxi services
- Retail establishments, including grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, home improvement stores and farmers markets
- Laundromats
“The Governor’s order recognizes that while everyone should be staying home as much as possible, when going out to buy groceries or make other essential trips, we should all be wearing face coverings to protect others and protect ourselves,” said Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles.
 Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Director Dr. Raymond Crowel says it’s critical, especially now, that we all find ways to manage stress.
In this video, Dr. Crowel demonstrates Tai Chi, the ancient Chinese martial art, and describes how the practice helps reduce stress and ease tension.
 Spending time indoors means more time for creating memories with the people around you. Visit Montgomery has a list of ways to enjoy the County from home with fun virtual activities including an at-home camp, live streams of concerts, virtual farm tours, and online history happy hours.
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