 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich praises how the County’s collective efforts continue to move us in the right direction, now aided by the expansion of the Pfizer variant of the COVID-19 vaccine age limit. However, he acknowledges that more work needs to be done to reach those who are hesitant to receive the vaccine and those who have socio-economic and other barriers to access for the vaccine. He also reminds us of the initiatives he and his administration are implementing to continue to ease the fiscal, mental health, and other burdens on all Montgomery County residents.
 Good news! The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is now available to anyone age 12 and older. Pfizer is the only vaccine that has been given emergency use authorization for young people who are 12 to 15 years old.
 Montgomery County’s COVID-19 Information Portal provides a variety of breakdowns on how the virus has impacted the County. The statistics are updated to reflect the most recent reports during the health crisis. Among the information available is how many positive cases have been reported in each zip code in the County and how many vaccinations have been given by zip code.
 In light of federal court action regarding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) CDC Order for a Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions, County Executive Marc Elrich emphasized that Montgomery County renters, along with all Maryland renters, still have eviction protection even if the federal court decision results in cancelling protections under the CDC Order.
 Montgomery County residents are invited to an online conversation about navigating the challenges with family relationships during the pandemic May 19. The presentation will be in Spanish with the ability for closed captioning in additional languages on Teams Live.
 The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), an FCC program, will provide low-income households, during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a temporary $50-per-month discount on home internet service. The EBB discount should cover the entire monthly cost of home broadband.
 The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is launching a new video series to help residents understand how to recycle materials properly. DEP Director Adam Ortiz hosts the video series asking the question, “Is This Recyclable?”
 The 2021 Brood X cicadas are emerging in Montgomery County, and County health officials are urging residents to take steps to prevent an increase in the rat population. During the last cicada invasion in 2004, health inspectors noted a large increase in the number of residential and commercial complaints received about rats.
 In honor of Older Americans Month, the Montgomery County Commission on Aging (COA) will host an online forum on Tuesday, May 18 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
 “Increasing Communication in the Procurement Community” will be the theme from noon-1 p.m. on Friday, May 14, when Montgomery County’s COVID-19 Economic Revitalization and Recovery program continues its series of virtual town hall meetings to keep businesses informed on strategies for doing business as the health crisis continues.
After the COVID-19 health crisis in Spring 2020 limited the Taste the World in Fenton Village, the 11th annual celebration of the diverse restaurants in Downtown Silver Spring (south of Wayne Avenue) returns in a big way from May 16-22. Those who support the approximately 50 participating restaurants that were severely impacted by the health crisis will have an opportunity to win prizes up to $500.
Montgomery County has approved the “2021 Return to Play Plan” submitted on April 28, 2021 by the Bethesda Community Base Ball Club (BCBBC) to allow up to 250 fans to attend Bethesda Big Train baseball games at Shirley Povich Field this June and July.
|
 The Gaithersburg Community Museum celebrates the City’s long and storied history with the railroad during its virtual “Train Day” event on Saturday, May 22. Throughout the day enjoy home model train videos from model railroaders and train-theme craft ideas that will be posted in the Facebook Event discussion from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All ages are invited to join.
 The Commission for Women is offering free virtual seminars on Tuesday nights to help individuals strengthen their personal brand and place them on the path to finding more than just a job. The sessions to help people discover new careers are geared to assist women, but are open to everyone.
|
