 As we continue to celebrate Black History month, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich brings to light a terrible incident involving County Councilmember Will Jawando that serves to remind us that we still have a long way to go; but he also joins Jawando in solidarity in his effort to rename the Silver Spring Library after Tuskegee Airman Brig. Gen. Charles McGee who passed away last month and would have turned 103 this year. Elrich congratulates Dr. Monifa B. McKnight on her selection as MCPS Superintendent; and he cautions us that, though our COVID-19 transmission rates are lower, we are still in the high transmission range and must remain vigilant. He notes that it was a lack of vigilance and the dismissal of facts and science that led to another grim milestone that was reached during this pandemic. The County Executive highlights his efforts to increase our safety through the return of Boosterama and his charge to ban “ghost guns.” Finally, he brings attention to the many activities that are open to the public throughout the weekend.
 Maryland will have a new booster action plan to get more residents fully protected from COVID-19 and its variants. The plan includes a $2 million “VaxCash 2.0 Promotion” that will award cash prizes to a total of 12 Maryland residents who have received their booster shot. The promotion kicks off Tuesday, Feb. 15, with a special initial drawing of $500,000.
 There may be a few more weeks of winter weather, but Montgomery Recreation and Montgomery Parks are hard at work planning spring programs and summer camps. Registration for their spring programs will open on Monday, Feb. 14. Registration for their summer camps will open Tuesday, Feb. 22.
All 26 of Montgomery County’s Department of Alcohol Beverage Services retail stores have resumed their normal operating hours. Store hours had been reduced since Jan.12 due to COVID-19-related staffing shortages.
 Montgomery County Public Libraries will host free programs in observance of Black History Month throughout February. All programs will be offered virtually.
 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.
 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.
All bus stops at the west side of the Rockville Metro Station will be moved back to their original locations adjacent to the west entrance of the station effective Sunday, Feb. 13. The bus stops were temporarily relocated during the Rockville canopy replacement project. Temporary bus shelters used during the construction will be moved to the original bus stops until they can be replaced with permanent shelters in late spring or early summer.
 The Montgomery County Government will have special schedules for its programs and facilities in the observation of Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 21.
 Montgomery Parks will be turning several of its parks into occasional evenings of music, beer and food that will be suitable for all family members (excluding the beer part). There is no charge for admission for the “Acoustics and Ales” winter happy hour events, which begin Friday, Feb. 11, in Germantown, but there are charges for food and beverages.
‘Top Things Montgomery County Residents Should Know About Voting’ Will Be the Featured Topic on Newest Edition of the ‘What’s Happening MoCo’ Podcast
What are the top five things that Montgomery County residents need to know when considering their voting experience this year? Gilberto Zelaya (Dr. Z), the public information officer for the County’s Board of Elections, will join the newest episode of the What’s Happening MoCo podcast to share important information for voters and potential new voters as they begin preparing to participate in this year’s gubernatorial primary and general elections.
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Valentine’s Day will be celebrated with an afternoon filled with free outdoor fun and activities from noon-4 p.m. during the “I Love Wheaton” event on Sunday, Feb. 13, at Marian Fryer Town Plaza.
 Maryland has put a focus on its emerging brewery industry over the past few years by celebrating the second month on each calendar as “FeBREWary.” In a joint campaign locally, the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)’s Montgomery Energy Connection program has seized the opportunity to meet residents at breweries and offer energy-efficient lightbulb swap events. Over the next two weeks, DEP will add a “Kick Gas” campaign in its brewery visits to highlight the County’s new EV Purchasing Cooperative Pilot Program and encourage residents to make their next vehicle purchases electric.
Story of Will Adams, Fiddler of Ken-Gar, Will Be Featured in Montgomery History Virtual Event on Tuesday, Feb. 15
The story of fiddler Will Adams, who had deep roots in African American communities of Montgomery County from Sandy Spring to Norbeck to Ken-Gar, will be featured in a virtual presentation of Montgomery History at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 15.
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Fixers Sought for First-Ever ‘Fix It Fair’ in Gaithersburg on Saturday, April 23
Handy residents and small business repair operators with experience in repairing items such as small appliances, lamps, jewelry, textiles/clothing or in tool sharpening are being sought as volunteers to support the City of Gaithersburg’s first-ever “Fix It Fair.” The event will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, at the Casey Community Center in Gaithersburg.
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Montgomery County residents can win a prize this month by sharing what they love about the County’s first rapid transit service—the Flash bus—in the County Department of Transportation’s “Love Flash” photo contest on Twitter.
The City of Gaithersburg is seeking groups or organizations to participate in the 20th Annual Gaithersburg St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, following a route down Grand Corner Avenue at Rio, which is located near I-370 and Washingtonian Boulevard.
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.
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