 County Executive Marc Elrich reflects on why it is so important that Montgomery County is joining the Federal and State governments, and many local governments, to recognize Juneteenth. He offers his personal thoughts on the history of racial inequities in the nation—and what he viewed growing up in the County. He also cheers on the progress of Gaithersburg-based Novavax in its efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. And following more than a year of the COVID health crisis, he talks about why appreciating Father’s Day is more important than ever.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said the County will join the Federal government, Maryland State government and many local jurisdictions by recognizing Friday, June 18, as a celebration of Juneteenth. Congress approved legislation to create the new Federal holiday and President Biden signed it.
 The American Medical Association this week released a new survey among practicing physicians that shows more than 96 percent of surveyed U.S. physicians have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19, with no significant difference in vaccination rates across regions.
 Montgomery County’s 24th Juneteenth Celebration themed “Freedom at the Rock . . . Acknowledge, Educate, Celebrate,” will be held at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 19. During the event, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich will host the African American Living Legend Awards at 5 p.m. to honor distinguished individuals who have helped shape the cultural heritage of the African American community.
 Montgomery County Recreation this week reopened multiple recreation centers for in-person services and the Wheaton Community Recreation Center will reopen on Monday, June 21.
 The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) operated by the County Office of Animal Services (OAS) will reopen full services on Sunday, June 20.
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) expects on Wednesday, June 23, to activate and test a new ramp metering system on the ramp from northbound MD 118 to southbound I-270 in the Germantown area. This will be the first location activated in the new ramp metering system that will eventually include 22 northbound and 23 southbound I-270 ramps.
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 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) this week launched the Vision Zero pilot program “20 is Plenty” in North Bethesda. The program will lower speed limits to 20 miles per hour on targeted streets to promote safer roadways for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Montgomery Parks still has spots available in many of its summer programs and opportunities are available for family activities.
 The Montgomery County Revenue Authority will hold a virtual public meeting about the Montgomery County Airpark from 7-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23. Topics expected to be addressed include the history of the Airpark, Airpark operations, community concerns and suggested community solutions regarding noise and safety.
To support a post-pandemic recovery and further strengthen the economic development activities of the largest local nonprofit network in Maryland, the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation will administer a new State-funded $3.4 million economic development grant program for qualifying local nonprofits. Applications will open on Tuesday, July 6, and close on July 16.
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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.
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.
 New York Times best-selling author and illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka will be the featured guest at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 26, as Montgomery County Public Libraries continues its “Contemporary Conversations” virtual series. The topic is “A True Story about Growing Up in a Family Grappling with Addiction.”
 Montgomery County, the University System of Maryland and Montgomery College have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create the “Montgomery/Maryland Life Sciences Education and Innovation Partnership” to facilitate collaboration among industry and the academic partners on cutting-edge research. The partnership will allow students from across Maryland to have opportunities to gain work experience and conduct translational research with Montgomery County’s industry leaders.
A survey seeking public input on Montgomery County’s Draft Vision Zero 2030 Action Plan and Fiscal Years 2022-23 Work Plan will close on Monday, June 21. The survey has been open since April when County Executive Marc Elrich released the draft of the plan. It builds on the County’s previous Vision Zero and Pedestrian Safety plans and lays out the work ahead to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries by 2030.
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 “Digitization and the Department of Permitting Services” will be the theme from noon-1 p.m. on Friday, June 25, 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.
 Montgomery County’s HIV/STI Program, part of the County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), will host the free “Pride in the Plaza” outdoor LGBTQ+ health and wellness community resource fair from 1-8 p.m. on Sunday, June 27, at Veterans Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring. The event continues the County’s recognition of June as Pride Month and June 27 as National HIV Testing Day.
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