 Montgomery County is emerging from the COVID-19 health crisis, but County Executive Marc Elrich says we are still working to get more residents vaccinated. The County Executive explains his disappointment in Governor Larry Hogan’s decision to put a premature end to Federal enhancements of unemployment benefits. He also urges residents to join the celebration of June as Pride Month.
 More than 663,000 (63.1 percent) of Montgomery County residents have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, according to Maryland statistics released today, Thursday, June 3. More than 554,000 County residents (52.8 percent) have been fully vaccinated. County-operated vaccine clinics are now making appointments for those 12-and-over.
 The Damascus Senior Center and Holiday Park senior centers in Silver Spring will reopen on Monday, June 14. A variety of programs and activities will be available for pre-registration, as will drop-in activities such as the weight room, library and pool tables. The North Potomac, Schweinhaut, Wheaton and White Oak senior Centers will open one or two days a week.
 Six Montgomery County Public Libraries reopened on June 1 and eight additional branches will reopen on Monday, June 14.
Montgomery Parks is now accepting permit applications to reserve park activity buildings and picnic shelters at local parks for nominal fees. The amenities will be available beginning on June 12.
Governor Larry Hogan has announced that the State of Maryland will discontinue enhanced pandemic Federal unemployment benefits and reinstate work search requirements early next month. However, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said he disagrees with the decision.
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 The effort to administer COVID-19 vaccines and end the health crisis has made significant strides as more residents have become vaccinated. To reward those who have been vaccinated, and encourage others to get vaccinations, the State of Maryland is giving out daily awards to vaccinated individuals each day through July 4, with a major prize of $400,000 being awarded on Independence Day.
 “Bringing Women Back to Work” will be the theme from noon-1 p.m. on Friday, June 11, 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 County turns the corner toward recovery.
Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week is taking place from June 5 to 13. In joining this year’s celebration, the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is challenging all residents to create a video to show support and enthusiasm for clean water and the beauty of the Bay. Residents are being challenged to create a video on Instagram or TikTok based on a daily theme.
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 Montgomery County’s 24th Juneteenth Celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 19, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts located at 12901 Town Commons Drive in Germantown.
Montgomery County Public Libraries is offering free online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting job seekers and entrepreneurs throughout June. All workshops are free and offered virtually. An internet connection and a device (such as a smartphone, tablet or computer) is required for participation.
The newly renovated athletic playing field located adjacent to the White Oak Community Recreation Center located at 1700 April Lane in Silver Spring will be dedicated in ceremonies at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 6. Residents are invited to join in the celebration that will be jointly hosted by Montgomery County Recreation and Montgomery Parks.
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The Atlantic Hurricane and Summer Storm Season officially began on June 1 and will run through November. Montgomery County’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) is joining the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service (NWS) in urging community members to familiarize themselves with what to do before, during and after a severe storm.
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