 County Executive Marc Elrich congratulates Governor-elect Wes Moore and Lt. Governor-elect Aruna Miller for their historic victories in this week’s election. He also talks about the importance of the partnership with the University System of Maryland that this week announced details of the future Institute for Health Computing in North Bethesda. He provides information on a new wastewater surveillance project that will help monitor community health threats. The County Executive also salutes veterans and their contributions as the County prepares to observe Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 11.
 Montgomery County’s observance of Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 11, includes participation in the national “Operation Green Light” salute to veterans and the County’s Commission on Veterans Affairs displays at two local sites and on its special website.
 The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will observe schedule and program changes for the observance of Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 11.
“Improbable Comedy,” a stand-up comedy show featuring military comics and veterans in a tribute to Veterans Day, will be held at 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, the County’s regional services offices and community partners will host eight hybrid forums in November and December to seek input on the Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget. The first forum will be from 7-8:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 14, at the Mid-County Regional Services Center in Wheaton. Residents can attend the forums in person or view them via the internet.
 After hurricanes with large-scale floods—such as happened in Florida recently with Hurricane Ian—flood-damaged vehicles often end up at salvage auctions and bought by rebuilders. The vehicles should be marked as “salvage” or “total-loss” on the title, but every year, thousands of severely water-damaged vehicles are resold to unsuspecting consumers—often in different market areas. The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection is warning local residents seeking to buy a used vehicle that they should take precautionary steps to avoid unknowingly purchasing one.
 Montgomery County health officials, in partnership with the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland-College Park, recently launched wastewater surveillance to detect COVID-19 circulating in the community. Wastewater surveillance provides an accurate way to detect illness-causing viruses and bacteria, such as SARS-CoV-2.
The annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade, which traditionally is held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, this year will return in grand fashion—including new special guests— starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, in Silver Spring.
Be COVID-Prepared for the Upcoming Holiday Season
The third holiday season with COVID-19 is approaching, and everyone agrees that COVID fatigue exists. A few simple steps of caution can make being with family and friends enjoyable while reducing the risk of illness from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses such as colds and flu.
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 Cooler weather often spurs cozy gatherings around the fire pit during the fall season. The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services website features safety tips for those who will be using fire pits, fire bowls and chimineas. It is important to utilize the devices in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance, and to make sure at least one adult is supervising.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation is seeking up to 45 Montgomery County high school students to serve as “Vision Zero Youth Ambassadors.” The project-based learning program teaches teens leadership skills, outreach and engagement techniques to address traffic safety needs in their community. Applications are now being accepting. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, Nov. 30.
 Registration for Montgomery County Recreation’s winter classes and programs will open at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 14. Registration for Bone Builders programs will open at 9 a.m.
 The Arts and Social Justice Fellowship, presented by Strathmore with Core Partner Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, is looking toward its second year of identifying a next generation of artists with activism. Applications for the 2023 program are now being accepted, with a deadline of Sunday, Nov. 20.
 Seven featured films will be screened on Saturday, Nov. 19, as the Gaithersburg Arts Barn hosts its Independent Film Night. The screenings will begin at 7:30 p.m., with a question and answer session with the films’ creators following each.
 “Christmas on the Farm,” a special way to celebrate the holidays in a country setting, will be hosted by the Montgomery Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood on Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 3-4.
Montgomery Parks is continuing to host an exciting lineup of special events and programs in November, including an outdoor skills workshop, Drag Queen Story Hour, free Veterans Day skates and the opening of the annual winter favorite, Garden of Lights, at Brookside Gardens on Friday, Nov. 18.
 Youth members of the LGBTQ+ community will tell their stories—and share the challenges they have faced—in a virtual town hall meeting sponsored by EveryMind from 6:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15.
Montgomery County Public Libraries will offer free online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting job seekers and entrepreneurs throughout November.
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