 County Executive Marc Elrich talks about how this past week has been one of the most difficult in County history, including with the death of a volunteer firefighter. He talks about actions to ensure the safety of all students and employees of County schools. He addresses the decline of COVID-19 in the County, but remains cautious about a possible new variant on the horizon. The County Executive urges all eligible residents to take advantage of Earned Income Tax Credits. He offers thanks to the County Attorney, who is retiring after 37 years serving the County. And he salutes a military legend, who passed away last week at age 102.
 The regulation requiring masks to be worn indoors in public spaces to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 was extended this week through Feb. 21 by the Montgomery County Council, which acted in its role as the County Board of Health. The Council also decided not to vote on a proposal to require a vaccine passport to enter specific indoor venues.
 Montgomery County residents can pick up free, adult-sized N95 masks and COVID-19 test kits at 19 Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) branches. 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.
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.
|
 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 for Women (CFW) is entering its 50th year of helping to ensure that women and girls are treated fairly in all aspects of their lives. On the latest episode of the What’s Happening MoCo podcast, CFW Chair Donna Rojas talks about the organization’s accomplishments and its upcoming Women’s Legislative Briefing that will take place virtually on Sunday, Jan. 30.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, County Council President Gabe Albornoz and members of the Council joined nonprofit and faith leaders this week to announce 61 recipients received grants totaling $700,000 to improve security and deter hate crimes through the County’s Nonprofit Security Grants program.
|
Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) provide many services for their users. Among them are free online access for library card holders to publications such as The Washington Post and Consumer Reports.
Most people want to recycle items when possible rather than put them in the trash, but understanding what is and what is not recyclable can be confusing. The County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has produced the “Is This Recyclable?” video series to help people understand what is and what is not recyclable.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich this week announced that the County has committed to inclusively design and implement building performance standards and complementary policies and programs. The commitment will drive investment into building retrofits and good-paying jobs that create healthier buildings and lower housing and energy costs.
 Library Lovers Month 2022” will kick off with a free virtual event at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, featuring an ocean-themed STEM program for elementary school aged youth presented by the “Hip Hop M.D.” Maynard Okereke
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.
Residents interested in what happens in the sky will want to explore “Indigenous Star Stories” that will have a free Skywatching talk at 7 p.m. on Sat., Jan. 29. The virtual program, sponsored by the Gaithersburg Community Museum, will stream live on the Community Museum Facebook page.
‘It Happened in Rockville: Remembering Two Lynchings’ Exhibit to be Displayed at Rockville Memorial Library
The Montgomery County Lynching Memorial Project (MoCoLMP) “It Happened in Rockville: Remembering Two Lynching” exhibit is coming to the Rockville Memorial Library in Downtown Rockville. The exhibit will run from Feb. 1-28 during library hours.
|
Montgomery County teens have an opportunity to win some 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.
Free online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting renters, job seekers and entrepreneurs will be offered throughout February. The programs are sponsored by Montgomery County Public Libraries.
|
