 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich this week talks about efforts to lower prices of prescription drugs and the work of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board. On the 20th anniversary of the D.C. Sniper shootings, he notes the importance over the past two decades of the County’s Victims Rights Foundation. The County Executive addresses programs to help those affected by domestic violence. And after attending the Maryland Life Sciences Conference, he notes that Montgomery County continues to be a national leader for bio-tech and hi-tech companies.
 Montgomery County health officials are urging all residents to get a flu vaccination and the County will hold clinics for adults and children in October and November. Getting a flu vaccination does not protect against COVID-19, but flu shots have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death.
 October is “Energy Action Month” and Montgomery County, in collaboration with the Montgomery Energy Connection network, is celebrating this year with the theme “Electrify Everything” to focus on going electric inside and around the home.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation will be closing Newell Street in Silver Spring to vehicles from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 10, to allow for community gatherings celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day. The special day was formerly known as Columbus Day in Montgomery County and in many other localities around the nation.
 Bicycles that are no longer being used by some can make a big difference for others. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s annual Bicycle Donation Drive on Friday, Oct. 14, will make it easy to donate previously owned bikes and ensure they will have a continued impact
 Montgomery County continues to be in the “low” community transmission rate for COVID-19. However, COVID remains a concern as new strains become prevalent. Updated vaccines are now available as boosters.
 A screening of the 1970s cult classic, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” will be presented free outdoors by Montgomery Parks starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7, at Northwest Branch Recreational Park.
 Montgomery County Recreation will host family-friendly events this fall season, ranging from fall festivals to swimming with pumpkins. The October events will be hosted at community recreation centers, senior centers and aquatic facilities across the County.
 A full lineup of special events in October from Montgomery Parks will include Halloween train rides, fall-themed happy hours and a Sunday jazz brunch.
 The Wheaton Urban District will continue its celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with Saturday events on Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Downtown Wheaton. The “Dance for Life” events will emphasize “Hispanic Culture through Dance and Music.” The next event, from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8, will have the culture focus of Bachata.
 Silver Spring Town Center, Inc.’s celebration of “Hispanic Heritage Month” will continue from 7-9 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 10, with the free, virtual and delicious exploration of Culinary Traditions of the Diáspora Latinoamericana. The event will be hosted by Professor Iane Campos-Siddique.
Scott Fitzgerald Literary Festival Returns as In-Person Event to Honor Author Richard Powers on Saturday, Oct. 15, in Rockville
The 26th annual F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Festival, one of the premiere literary festivals in the nation, will return as in-person event on Saturday, Oct. 15, in Rockville by presenting its annual Award for Achievement in American Literature to acclaimed author Richard Powers. The festival will be held on at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Rockville with this year’s theme of "Stories and the More-Than-Human."
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 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation offers residents and school administrators free resources to support children walking and biking to school through the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. On Wednesday, Oct. 12, the County will again be participating in Walk to School Day.
 Montgomery County is urging residents and businesses to raise their awareness of potential fire hazards as the County joins in recognition of the 100th anniversary of National Fire Prevention Week from Oct. 9-15. The annual campaign reminds residents that education and planning are two important actions to keep safe from fire.
 Registration for Montgomery County Recreation’s Youth Basketball programs is now underway.
 How to do business with the Montgomery County Government will be the featured topic of an in-person fair held by the County’s Department of Procurement starting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11. County Executive Marc Elrich will deliver opening remarks for the event, which will be held at the East County Community Recreation Center.
 In partnership with Montgomery County’s public safety departments, its Office of Human Resources will hold a two-session Public Safety Career Fair for job seekers 18-and-over on Saturday, Oct. 22, at the County’s Public Safety Training Academy in Gaithersburg. The County is seeking to fill more than 100 positions across the County’s public safety cluster.
 Montgomery Parks will celebrate 60 years of the Brookside Nature Center in Wheaton with a slate of free programs and activities from 1-7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9. Brookside is Montgomery County’s first nature center and has been a staple in the community, educating the public as well as introducing people to environmental stewardship.
 Montgomery County Recreation’s Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center, which opened in 1972 and this year is celebrating 50 years of serving the community, will observe its golden anniversary with a free community celebration from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8.
Free online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting job seekers and entrepreneurs will be offered throughout October by Montgomery County Public Libraries.
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