 The need for adults to get COVID-19 booster shots and for eligible children to receive their vaccines is addressed by County Executive Marc Elrich in his message this week. He is enthused that County libraries will be expanding their hours and explains why the County’s Rental Relief Program will be taking a pause on Dec. 31. County Executive Elrich talks about the need for a long-term plan to help those in the community who continue to face hunger. And as winter and the holiday season approach, he joins the movement to use less salt on pavements to protect the environment and urges all residents to take advantage of the many activities celebrating the holiday season.
Montgomery County Public Libraries will expand hours at its branches effective Jan. 2.
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 The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA, or Metro) announced this week that it will reopen the Shady Grove and Rockville stations on Jan. 16. The stations have been closed for a four-month period for the Rockville Canopy Replacement Project.
 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 from the State of Maryland during the health crisis. Among the information available is how many positive cases have been reported in each zip code in the County.
 The last day for Montgomery County small businesses that have been impacted by Purple Line construction to apply for the initial traunch of funding to assist them is Friday, Dec. 10. The Purple Line Light Rail Grant Program, announced last week by Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and Montgomery County Council Vice President Evan Glass, has $231,000 appropriated to the County by the Maryland Department of Commerce to assist small businesses that have lost revenue due to the Purple Line construction.
 The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Transportation and WSSC Water are urging homeowners to be “Salt Wise” during winter storms. Local leaders, including County Executive Marc Elrich and WSSC Water General Manager and CEO Carla A. Reid, emphasized the campaign at an event this week in Potomac.
 New parking rates at Montgomery County-operated garages, parking lots and street meters will go into effect beginning on Monday, Jan. 3, and will be implemented in stages over the following months. The Montgomery County Council adopted the parking rates as part of the Fiscal Year 2022 budget process.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich joined County Council President Gabe Albornoz, Councilmember Sidney Katz, Department of General Services Director David Dise, Fire and Rescue Service Chief Scott Goldstein and other officials recently to celebrate the start of construction for a new Clarksburg Fire Station.
 Montgomery County’s Department of Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) has modified its “Highly Allocated Products” (HAL) policy. HAL is comprised of special releases of products, including sought-after bourbons, whiskies and other small-batch spirits. The HAL policy ensures that access to rare products is distributed fairly among retail customers and license holders across the County.
 Montgomery County’s Emergency Rental Assistance program’s COVID Rent Relief application portal will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 31. Applications submitted before the deadline will be reviewed and processed, but no additional applications will be received after that time.
 Montgomery County Recreation has numerous holiday events to bring out the spirit of the season. The activities will include such things as a holiday craft show; letters to Santa: a pancake breakfast; musical activities; and arts and crafts. The events will take place at community recreation centers located throughout the County.
 The Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District has a season full of holiday events to enjoy this winter. Upcoming events in Silver Spring include activities from the more than 100 arts and humanities organizations, popular arts venues, attractions and entertainment businesses in the Arts and Entertainment District.
 Wheaton’s Arts & Entertainment District and its surrounding region will have a wide variety of holiday celebrations and events throughout the winter season. There will be activities for the whole family—including the family pets.
 Residents can nominate community members for the Montgomery Women and Montgomery County Commission for Women 2022 "Women Making History Award." Nominations of women making a difference in Montgomery County must be submitted by Jan. 20.
 Senior Planet Montgomery, a technology training program designed for County learners 50 and older, is offering free online classes that focus on how to thrive at home. Classes, which are offered live via video conference, enhance a wide variety of life skills. Classes for Seniors Dec. 13-17 will include “Startup” and “Smart Cities.”
Montgomery County Public Libraries is offering online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting job seekers and entrepreneurs throughout December. All workshops are free and offered virtually.
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