 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich addresses how the County has been preparing for a time when COVID-19 booster shots will be needed—and also advocates for a regionwide “Vaccine Passport” that will help keep public spaces safer. He describes how a new solar project can be a model to reduce energy costs for moderate- and low-income residents. County Executive Elrich takes pride as new 2020 Census figures officially make Montgomery County the first jurisdiction in Maryland with more than one million residents. And he pays tribute to Dr. Travis Gayles, who will be leaving his position as County health officer.
Travis Gayles, the Montgomery County health officer for the past four years, sent his resignation to County Executive Marc Elrich and the County Council on Aug. 18. He provided advice and guidance to the County throughout the COVID-19 health crisis. County Executive Elrich issued a statement regarding Dr. Gayles leaving his position.
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 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich this week joined County leaders and climate change advocates to launch the County’s first community solar project that will directly impact low- and moderate-income families. The event was held at Paddington Square Apartments in Silver Spring, which is an affordable housing community.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) announced this week that it is working with the Loudoun County Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure (DTCI) on a study of White’s Ferry’s operations. The study, which is on schedule, is designed to provide information to ensure that the ferry, when it reopens, is positioned to provide reliable service for the long term and maximum value to users.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Tom Hucker this week announced that the County has maintained its “Triple-A” bond rating for 2021 from the three major Wall Street bond rating agencies. The County continued its status as a top-rated issuer of municipal securities, with the highest credit rating possible for a local government. The rating is significant amidst the COVID-19 health crisis.
 Montgomery County Recreation will be closing the Upper County Outdoor Pool in Gaithersburg earlier than other outdoor pools. The closing will provide an opportunity for County dogs to go for a summer swim at the Pooch Pool Party on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 21-22.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is seeking an organization to create a cooperative purchasing or “group buy” program for members of the public to buy or lease electric vehicles (EV) at favorable prices through the power of volume purchasing. The goal of the program is to increase use of EVs by both residents and local businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build confidence in ecofriendly transportation options among the public.
The “MoCoShow’ website earns more than a million page views per month and it has earned more than 48,000 “likes” on Facebook as @TheMoCoShow. Those analytics make it one of the most successful organizations sharing news and information about Montgomery County. In the latest episode of the “What’s Happening MoCo” podcast, Alex Tsironis, founder of the MoCoShow, shares how his media organization grew from a bulletin board forecasting weather for Montgomery County Public Schools students to a valued source of information for residents.
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 The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) operated by the Montgomery County Office of Animal Services is waiving adoption fees for all small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs in a special promotion through Saturday, Aug. 28. MCASAC’s “Pocket Pet Palooza” is being co-sponsored by the nonprofit organization Montgomery County Partners for Animal Well-Being (MCPAW).
There's a common misconception that recreation is only sports and exercise. Recreation provides opportunities for people to take care of themselves in multiple ways. One way to is by discovering new hobbies or honing new skills. Montgomery County Recreation has many opportunities to explore new ways to spend leisure time.
The Connect Montgomery Alliance (CoMo), the organization composed of County's government and public access cable stations, has put together a series of online challenges that will allow residents to reconnect with people and places in the County. The social media contests, that will be conducted each month through October, will include drawings for monthly prizes and giveaways.
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 To build attention to the annual international “Car Free Day” that will be held on Sept. 22 and to encourage the use of alternate modes of transportation, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will return its “Bicycle Swag Bag Contest” from Sunday, Aug. 22, through Sunday, Sept. 26. During the event, bike riders can submit a picture of themselves riding along a bike path or trail in Montgomery County to be entered into a weekly drawing.
Montgomery County’s Alcohol Beverage Services has closed its Cabin John Liquor and Wine store in advance of a planned store relocation. The closed store was in the Cabin John Village Shopping Center (inside the enclosed mall).
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A “Ceremony of Remembrance” and candlelight vigil will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 26, in Rockville to memorialize lives lost to overdose or substance use. The ceremony, which will be hosted by NBC4 news anchor Doreen Gentzler, commemorates International Overdose Awareness Day, a global event, and is aimed at raising awareness of overdose and reducing the stigma of drug related deaths.
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Free online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting job seekers and entrepreneurs are being offered virtually throughout August. The program is sponsored by Montgomery County Public Libraries.
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