 As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to spread through our community, County Executive Marc Elrich details actions Montgomery County has been taking to get better control over the spread, including the tremendous efforts of the Public Health Team, Montgomery County Public Libraries and numerous volunteers who have distributed more than 200,000 rapid self-test kits this week. The County Executive talks about the growing strain the pandemic is having on area hospitals. This week the 2022 Maryland Legislative Session began, and the County Executive recognized the hard work they do each year. He highlights Korean American Day and the upcoming MLK Day and Week of Service. County Executive Elrich also reminds us of two continuing threats – the encroachment on voters’ rights and the scourge of human trafficking.
 Montgomery County residents can pick up free, rapid at-home COVID-19 test kits at 19 Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL). The iHealth COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies run out. Residents can receive a maximum of two test kits per person (each containing two tests) per visit.
 The Montgomery County Government will observe special schedules for facilities and programs changes for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 17.
Montgomery County’s Department of Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) has temporarily reduced hours at all 26 of its retail stores due to COVID-related staffing shortages. The temporary business hours will be noon-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Sunday hours will remain noon-5 p.m.
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The life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be celebrated by Montgomery County at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 17, in a virtual event that will include special greetings and remarks by County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Gabe Albornoz on the importance of voting rights. Civil Rights warrior and Freedom Rider Joan Mulholland also will speak as part of the tribute.
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 Every January, for more than a decade, the Montgomery County Volunteer Center has brought thousands of area residents together for an afternoon full of volunteer activities featured at its large-scale Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day of Service event. However due to the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis, for the second straight year, the event will be largely virtual and expanded to a week from Jan. 15-22. It will have a variety of home-based and safely distanced service opportunities available online.
A series of volunteer opportunities in honor of the 2022 MLK Day of Service sponsored by Montgomery Parks will include stream and park cleanups throughout the County. The events are scheduled between Saturday, Jan. 15, and Saturday, Jan. 22.
 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.
 Montgomery County Public Libraries will host its sixth free comic convention, MoComCon, on Saturday, Jan. 15. A recent change in the MoComCon 2022 schedule will have all events on the program held virtually due to the increased spread of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant. The comic convention is an all-ages event celebrating all things comics, graphic novels and fandoms.
 The Shady Grove and Rockville Metrorail stations will reopen on Sunday, Jan. 16, following a four-month shutdown for the Rockville Canopy Replacement Project.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will temporarily reduce Ride On bus service beginning Sunday, Jan. 16, due to a growing number of employees sick from, or exposed to, COVID-19.
The Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund can provide grants or loans for delinquent mortgage payments, past due association fees, past due real estate taxes and for repairs and energy efficiency improvements. Eligibility is based on income and COVID-19 impact. Owner occupancy is required.
 Global life sciences leader Horizon Therapeutics has signed a long-term, full-building lease with Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. for a 192,000-square-foot state-of-the art facility that will be the company’s new East Coast operations and research and development hub. The biopharmaceutical company will become the first tenant at the Alexandria Center at Traville Gateway, launching a vibrant new life sciences campus in Rockville.
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) will hold its first-ever Youth Climate Summit for high school students on Saturday, March 5, at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville. The summit program was developed after MCPS recognized increased student interest in climate action.
Nominations are open through Feb. 4 for the 2022 Maryland Preservation Awards presented by the Maryland Historical Trust. The awards are the highest level of recognition for historic preservation, heritage education and community development projects in Maryland.
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Nominations for the Montgomery Women and Montgomery County Commission for Women 2022 Women Making History Award remain open through Thursday, Jan. 20. The award is given in recognition of outstanding women in Montgomery County making significant contributions in their vocation and in the community.
 Human trafficking has long been an issue in Montgomery County, in Maryland, nationally and internationally. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the County Council earlier this week proclaimed January as “Human Trafficking Prevention Month” in the County.
 Montgomery County has started conducting its biennial online survey of County residents. The survey is available on the County website and is designed to get residents’ assessment of the local government, its services and their quality of life. The survey will be open through Jan. 17.
Free online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting renters, job seekers and entrepreneurs will be offered throughout January. The programs are sponsored by Montgomery County Public Libraries.
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