 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich this week makes the case that the County not only needs to increase its number of available affordable housing units, it also must protect some existing affordable housing that is being threatened. He also addresses a recent court decision and how it may impact the status of DACA recipients (or Dreamers). He provides details on a new campaign of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation to attract businesses to the County. The County Executive also discusses the County program that is using grants to loan 50,000 computers to low-income residents and seniors.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich has announced that Montgomery Connects, the County’s digital equity program, has received more than $22.6 million in Federal and State grants to expand access to computers, broadband service and service discounts, and technology training for low-income residents and seniors.
 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 has completed the bikeway construction along a portion of Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda and is reopening a reconfigured “streetery.” The block was closed to traffic during the COVID-19 health crisis to allow restaurants to have expanded outdoor dining. The reconfigured streetery, which will reopen by early evening on Friday, Oct. 14, will provide extended street dining and a short-term curbside pick-up zone for businesses while reopening two of the four roadway lanes to traffic.
 The Office of Animal Services’ Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) on Thursday, Oct. 6, welcomed cats and dogs from Florida shelters to provide relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Many of the animals are now available for adoption.
 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.
 Montgomery County health officials urge anyone age 12 and older to get their COVID-19 booster. The County, in partnership with Por Nuestra Salud y Bienestar, Proyecto Salud and Westfield Wheaton, will host a “BOO!sterama” from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29, to provide free COVID-19 boosters to shoppers. No appointment is needed.
 For more than 30 years, Montgomery County’s Holiday Giving Project (HGP) has provided Thanksgiving and December holiday assistance to low-income households. A network of social workers, school counselors, and other human service professionals refer families in need of holiday assistance to the County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The program is seeking partners to help in this year’s campaign.
 The Montgomery County Board of Elections installed 55 ballot drop boxes across the County that are now available to voters as an option instead of putting mail-in ballots in the mail for the upcoming November general election. The ballot drop boxes will remain open until 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8.
 Montgomery County is seeking assistance from community members to help identify flood-prone areas. It has established a new website that includes a short, confidential survey where residents can provide feedback on flooding experiences and insight. On Thursday, Oct. 20, the County will hold a virtual community meeting on its Comprehensive Flood Management Plan.
 Montgomery County’s Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has launched a new Customer Satisfaction Survey targeted to approximately 2,400 customers who have requested permits from the department during the first six months of the year, Jan.-June of 2022.
 Montgomery Parks will again reconfigure lanes on Little Falls Parkway for Phase Two of the pilot project to repurpose two lanes of the parkway in Bethesda between Arlington Road and Dorset Avenue and create a linear park. Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, Oct. 17.
 Residents 18-and-older who are interested in electric scooter lessons will have the opportunity to attend four free clinics in October and November sponsored by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation. Participants will be able to take a test ride, learn safety tips and get details on basic scooter laws.
 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.
 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.
 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 conclude its celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month on Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Downtown Wheaton with the last in its series of “Dance for Life” events. The series emphasizes “Hispanic Culture through Dance and Music.” The final event, from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15, will have the culture focus of salsa.
 Montgomery County has unveiled a new website about all aspects of the County’s actions on climate change. This website brings the County’s array of climate planning, progress and action under one, easy-to-navigate portal.
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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 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.
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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