 County Executive Marc Elrich this week is enthused about an innovative plan that will create more affordable housing in Montgomery County. In his message this week, he discusses recent hate crimes in Bethesda, and he also emphasizes that COVID-19 is still a major concern for County residents. He tells all first-time homebuyers that they may be eligible for assistance programs and additionally offers details on a new program that will help address hunger in the County. He also reminds everyone that the last day to vote in the primary is Tuesday, July 19!
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The Montgomery County Board of Elections is reminding voters that the unofficial results released on the Board’s website on election night of the 2022 Gubernatorial Primary, Tuesday, July 19, contain only those votes cast during Early Voting (July 7-14) and in the polling place on Election Day. To be counted, mail-in ballots must be postmarked no later than July 19, and the oath on the postage-paid return envelope that arrives with the ballot must be signed. Post Offices generally close by 5 p.m.
 When it comes to choosing a home improvement contractor, the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services and the Office of Consumer Protection are offering advice on important questions to ask, how to be selective and, most importantly, why a homeowner should never hire an unlicensed contractor.
 Gaithersburg-based Novavax has received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to distribute its COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S. It is the first protein-based COVID-19 vaccine available in the United States. Once a policy recommendation is received from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), immunizations with the Novavax vaccine can begin immediately for adults.
 Montgomery County continues to vaccinate children ages 6 months to 5 years old. To date, nearly 5,000 children in this age group have been vaccinated. Parents are encouraged to protect their children and get them vaccinated.
 Montgomery County residents have several ways to get tested for COVID-19.
 After 28 months of temporarily suspending fare collection due to the COVID-19 health crisis, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation's (MCDOT's) Ride On bus system will resume fare collection on Monday, Aug. 1 on all services, including Ride On, Ride On extRa, Flex and Flash. Fares will continue to be free throughout July. The new fare will be set at $1.
 Health officials this week released the COVID-19 Epidemiology Surveillance Report for Montgomery County. The report, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Montgomery County, Maryland 2020-2022, highlights disease burden of COVID-19 among residents, details how Montgomery County compares to the State and the U.S., and details how the County’s Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) programs respond to the pandemic.
 Thursday nights are alive with music this summer in Downtown Silver Spring as the free “Silver Spring Thursday Night Concerts” series continues on Veterans Plaza. Concert series are scheduled for 7-9 p.m. each Thursday evening through Aug. 11. The next performance, on July 21, will feature the ‘80s alternative sound of Guys in Thin Ties.
The free, family-friendly “Evenings in Olde Towne” concert series will have performances on Thursday nights in July and September at the City Hall Concert Pavilion in Olde Towne Gaithersburg. All concerts will take place from 6:30-8 p.m. The next show will feature the Juliet Lloyd Band on Thursday, July 21.
 Montgomery County Executive Mark Elrich joined members of the Bethesda arts community, business leaders and representatives of the County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) on July 13 to dedicate a mural on Bethesda Parking Garage 11. Mural artist JahOne also was present for the latest addition to the County’s “Paint the Town” initiative.
 On the night of June 27, 1863, Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart and 5,000 horsemen crossed the Potomac River at “Rowser’s Ford” and proceeded to ransack Montgomery County. This invasion, and its impact on the Battle of Gettysburg, will the be the subject of an online presentation of Montgomery History at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19.
 A new Ride On bus service to serve Adventist Healthcare White Oak Medical Center and the surrounding Silver Spring area will be launched by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation starting Sunday, July 17. The Route 27 service will have connections with Metrobus, Ride On and Flash bus routes, as well as other transportation services within the network.
 The “Bloom by Strathmore” free summer outdoor concert series will have events at Montgomery County’s Good Hope Neighborhood Recreation Center in Silver Spring through Sept. 10. The series, a partnership between Montgomery County Recreation and Strathmore, captures the essence of Strathmore’s role in the community by helping the arts thrive and ensuring everyone has a chance to experience them.
 Gaithersburg’s Children’s Summer Concert Series continues at the City Hall Concert Pavilion on Wednesdays in July, with free performances from 10:30-11:15 a.m. The next performance will feature the music of Rocknoceros on Wednesday, July 20.
 Gaithersburg’s Arts on the Green and A Taste for Murder Productions will present “Kill Again’s Island,” an interactive murder mystery complete with clues and a buffet of delectable sweet treats on Friday, July 15 (8 p.m.), and Thursday, July 16 (2 and 8 p.m.). The performances will be at the historic Kentlands Mansion.
 The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station with the planting of 33 shade trees on the Derwood site to increase the tree canopy and beautify the grounds. Fourteen different species of trees were planted throughout the site in May.
 Workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting job seekers and entrepreneurs will be available throughout July. All workshops are free. Most are offered virtually. They are sponsored by Montgomery County Public Libraries.
 Montgomery County Recreation is encouraging residents to come out and enjoy some the hundreds of recreation programs and parks have to offer as the County joins in the celebration of July as national Park and Recreation Month. The opportunities offered contribute to a healthier lifestyle and enhance the quality of life for all ages, culture and abilities.
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