 As the Fourth of July holiday weekend approaches, County Executive Marc Elrich reflects on how the efforts of residents to maintain safe practices, and get vaccinated, have brought the County to a much better position than it was in just a few months ago. He also talks about progress for residents in other areas, including an audit report that will lead to improvements in the Police Department. Another step forward is that July 1 began increases in the County minimum wage. Businesses with 51 employees or more are now required to pay employees at least $15 an hour.
 The state of emergency order that Governor Larry Hogan implemented due to the COVID-19 health crisis is no longer in effect.
 The Montgomery County Government will have special operating schedules for many offices, programs and services for the Independence Day holiday weekend, which will be observed on Sunday-Monday, July 4-5.
 The minimum wage will increase in Montgomery County on Thursday, July 1, with the minimum wage going to $15 an hour for businesses with 51 or more employees.
The declining demand for COVID-19 vaccinations will lead to Montgomery County closing its mass vaccination site on the Germantown campus of Montgomery College as of Saturday, July 3. A new vaccination site of more appropriate operation size will open on Tuesday, July 6, at the Upcounty Regional Service Center.
Competitively selected grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 will be awarded to Montgomery County nonprofits whose work aligns with the State’s intent to assist community organizations that create and sustain jobs. Nonprofits that serve the larger community with a mission or program focused on economic development and economic recovery are eligible to apply. The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) will be accepting applications from July 6-16.
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 Outdoor pools operated by Montgomery County Recreation are open and operating on three-hour sessions. Admission is guaranteed to those with reservations. The possibility of gaining general admission to a session depends on the total number of advanced reservations.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is reminding residents that even though many COVID-19 restrictions are easing, Federal guidelines continue to require face coverings when traveling by public transportation. The regulation covers County Ride On buses, Ride On extra, Flash, Metrobus, Metrorail and when taking taxis or on-demand car services.
 The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is warning residents about an increase in unlicensed plumbers and gasfitters marketing their services in the County. OCP has investigated numerous complaints resulting in refunds of monies, issuing of citations and settlement agreements. The risk with unlicensed plumbers and gasfitters is that they can cut necessary corners, not perform the repairs correctly and even create dangerous conditions.
 Montgomery County’s Department of Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) will mark its 70th anniversary with three specially designed products that will be available in limited quantities in most of its 26 retail stores starting Friday, July 2. Having a Maryland brewery and a distillery create the products for the celebration continues one of the department’s constant missions to serve customers, with focus on innovation.
 The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center operated by the County Office of Animal Services will be holding a month-long adoption event from July 1-31 where adoption fees will be waived for all cats and kittens. “Feline Freedom” is sponsored by the nonprofit organization Montgomery County Partners for Animal Well-Being (MCPAW).
Montgomery County Public Libraries has launched “Brainfuse’s” HelpNow, JobNow and VetNow online services. A library card is needed to access the services.
 Montgomery Parks has suspended the park directive allowing alcohol consumption without a permit in 13 parks. The suspension, which is effective immediately, is in response to the end of the COVID-19 State of Emergency issued by the State of Maryland. During the state of emergency, the State of Maryland and Montgomery County permitted the delivery and take-out of alcohol by food and beverage establishments.
 Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) is offering free online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting job seekers and entrepreneurs throughout July. All workshops will be offered virtually.
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