 County Executive Marc Elrich says that the County throughout March will mark two years of addressing the COVID-19 health crisis by recognizing the individuals and organizations that helped the County get through the pandemic. As the County moves to no longer having a mandatory indoor mask mandate in most public places and remains in a period of “substantial transmission,” he emphasizes that voluntarily wearing a mask and getting vaccines remain the best ways to combat the virus. He discusses how the County is preparing for potential protesters in organized truck convoys. And as Black History Month comes to a close, he discloses that the County will rename the Silver Spring Library for a County hero.
 Montgomery County has terminated its mandate requiring masks or face coverings indoors in locations accessible to the public. However, County Executive Marc Elrich still advises that voluntarily wearing a mask indoors remains one of the best defenses against the COVID-19 virus.
 Public transit riders who use Metro should know that the oldest Metro SmarTrip cards will no longer be accepted at faregates and fareboxes as of Tuesday, March 1. Those currently riding Metro or who plan to soon will need to replace their cards to travel on Metrorail or Metrobus after the deadline.
 During the month of March, as Montgomery County marks two years of fighting the COVID-19 health crisis, the County will highlight the sacrifices, dedication and efforts of individuals and partners in the community as we continue to move forward.
 Montgomery County Public Libraries will expand hours of branch service to include Sundays effective Feb. 27. The hours of operation had been reduced during the COVID-19 health crisis.
Montgomery County Recreation will host two free summer camp fairs to help families plan for their children’s summer activities. The Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center located at 13850 Travilah Road in Rockville will host a fair from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 26.
 Online requests for permits to reserve County athletic facilities for spring and summer can be made through the website of the County’s Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) starting Tuesday, March 1. The facilities will be available from March 15 through Aug. 15 for this permitting cycle.
 Montgomery County Public Libraries will host free programs in observance of Black History Month throughout February. All programs will be offered virtually.
Early Bird Registration is now open for the ninth annual Montgomery County Energy Summit, which will take place in-person (and virtually) on Tuesday, April 5, at the Silver Spring Civic Building and fully virtual on Wednesday, April 6. The Energy Summit will be hosted by the County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in partnership with the US Green Building Council National Capital Region (USGBC NCR). The event will offer cutting-edge education that focuses on the latest trends in green building, energy efficiency, renewable energy and related commercial, multifamily and residential topics in Montgomery County.
 Montgomery Parks will turn several of its parks into 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 will include an event in Arora Hills Local Park on Friday, Feb. 25, but there are charges for beer, food and non-alcoholic beverages.
 “A Double Take on Lynching: Two Compelling Voices,” a free illustrated lecture and poetry program detailing the history of lynchings—including three in Montgomery County—will be presented virtually from 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 3. Historian Susan Strasser and poet Marcia Cole will be featured in the program on the Jim Crow system of segregated facilities and state-sanctioned repression that was held in place by terror, including thousands of lynchings.
 Elizabeth Kolbert, staff writer for The New Yorker and author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Sixth Extinction, An Unnatural History, will be the featured speaker for the free “Contemporary Conversations Series” of Montgomery County Public Libraries at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 5. Ms. Kolbert will participate in a virtual conversation on climate change and how habits and decisions can make an impact.
“Big, Bold and Beautiful IV,” a free exhibit featuring large two-dimensional works of art, is now on display at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg. The exhibit will be viewable through April 10.
 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 Feb. 28– March 4 will include “P2P Payment Services” and “Online Shopping.”
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