 County Executive Marc Elrich highlights the introduction of his Recommended FY23 Capital Budget and Recommended FY23-28 Capital Improvements Program. He is also cautiously optimistic that the County’s test-positivity and case rates are down; but he reminds us that COVID-19, and its Omicron variant, is not done with us yet. He praises the unified efforts of County government departments that directly contributed to the distribution of nearly 800,000 free rapid self-test kits across the County - the same efforts that will now also be directed toward giving out free N-95 masks. As we continue this fight against COVID-19, he reminds us that we must stand against tyranny and bullies – both of our health care and nonelected officials and people of other races and religions alike. County Executive Elrich spotlights his “Lead the EV Charge” electric vehicle challenge and expresses gratitude to the unsung heroes of the County government who help keep us moving safely before, during, and after a snow storm.
 Montgomery County residents can pick up free, adult-sized N95 masks at 19 Montgomery County Public Libraries branches beginning Friday, Jan. 21. Along with getting COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots, wearing a well-fitting mask in indoor public settings or in crowds is important protection from the virus.
 Free COVID-19 home rapid test kits are available for Montgomery County residents at County libraries. Residents can get two kits per person per day. Each kit contains two tests.
How to Order Free COVID-19 Rapid At-Home Test Kits from the Federal Government
The Federal Government is making COVID-19 rapid at-home test kits available at no cost. The limit is four kits per household and will be sent via the US Postal Service.
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County Launches Online Form for Community Organizations to Request COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits
To ensure equitable distribution of COVID-19 rapid test kits, Montgomery County is distributing kits to community organizations to redistribute to vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations across the County.
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 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich this week transmitted his $5.05 billion recommended Fiscal Year 2023 Capital Budget and FY23-28 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to the County Council. The County Executive’s funding recommendations address major capital needs over the next six years.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich issued a challenge to County residents and businesses this week to “Lead the EV Charge” by pledging to buy electric vehicles as the County launched the Washington Region’s first Electric Vehicle (EV) Purchasing Cooperative pilot program. The initiative is designed to accelerate the adoption of EVs by the public in an effort to reach the County’s Climate Action Plan goal of an 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2027 and a 100 percent reduction by 2035.
 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 Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs will honor County uniformed service members and veterans with an expanded detailed virtual display of tributes as part of its celebration of February as Black History Month.
Montgomery County Recreation has posted safety guidelines that will go into effect when youth basketball programs resume with practices starting Monday, Jan. 24, and games starting on Feb. 5. The regulations are based on guidance the recreation department received from the County health officer.
 Montgomery County teens have an opportunity to win great prizes by producing videos to encourage peers not to allow cell phones to distract them while driving and walking. The County Department of Transportation’s “Heads Up, Phones Down” high school video contest will be accepting entries of 30-second Public Service Announcements (PSAs) between Feb. 1 and Feb. 22.
The Silver Spring Ice Skating Rink at Veterans Plaza is offering staggered skating sessions with online reservations and ticket purchasing. The outdoor rink is a great place for families and adults looking for fun, winter-themed outings—especially if they are hesitant to attend indoor gatherings due to the increased spread of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.
The 16th annual Montgomery History Conference will be hosted by Montgomery History from January 21-29. This year’s conference will be held in a virtual format over nine days, offering a myriad of opportunities to take part online in three keynote sessions, 12 breakout sessions, a movie screening and a virtual trivia night.
The 9th annual juried multimedia exhibition of artwork from the members of the Art League of Germantown (ALOG) is now on display through March 27 at Kentlands Mansion in Gaithersburg. Viewing of the exhibit sponsored by Gaithersburg’s Arts on the Green is by appointment only, Monday through Friday.
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The sixth annual Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival is eight months away, but planning is in motion for the event that grows in stature each year. Entries are now being accepted from Montgomery County college and high school students for the poster design contest that will add to the enthusiasm for this year’s event.
Montgomery Parks, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, has released its draft of the 2022 Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Policy Plan. The plan features various recommendations that include how parks can support physical activity, social connections, civic engagement and environmental stewardship. Montgomery Parks is now seeking public input on the plan.
 The Montgomery County Commission for Women will host its 42nd Annual Women’s Legislative Briefing (WLB) virtually from 12:30 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 30. Given current redistricting issues and upcoming elections, this year’s WLB theme is “Voting Women Change Everything.”
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.
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