 County Executive Marc Elrich this week offers his appreciation for the first responders who serve the residents of Montgomery County, saying they were at their best again in saving two people involved in a plane crash in Gaithersburg. He also expresses his support for a bill approved by the County Council that will require most new construction starting in 2026 to be powered by electric or other types of renewable energy. He addresses the 2022 County Vision report, saying progress has been made, but much more must be done to make roads safer for all. And, as he is about to be sworn in to his second term, the County Executive reflects on the achievements of his administration’s first four years and what he sees for the future.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich will be sworn in to his second term and the members of the County’s first 11-member County Council also will be sworn in at the Montgomery County Inaugural Ceremonies at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 5, at the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda. The ceremonies are open to all and there is no charge to attend.
Free Flu Vaccination Clinic for Children to be Held on Wed., Dec. 7, in Silver Spring
Montgomery County will hold a free flu vaccination clinic for children from 1-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the Dennis Avenue Health Center, located at 2000 Dennis Ave. in Silver Spring. Children ages six months to 18 are eligible to receive vaccinations at the clinic.
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 Every family member must be considered during the holidays and Montgomery Parks will enable dog owners to have outing with their pets at its free “Holiday Barket’ from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Cabin John Region Park in Bethesda.
 Montgomery County Recreation Center membership passes will be free for County residents in 2023. Starting Jan. 3, a free pass will provide access to fully equipped fitness rooms, open gym (drop-in) activities and game rooms at any community recreation center during regularly scheduled hours.
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection has launched its annual Gift Outside the Box campaign and encouraging people to “gift-greener” this holiday season. Ceremonies in Rockville starting the campaign this week included County Executive Marc Elrich.
 Montgomery County this week released its annual report for the Vision Zero Initiative to end serious and fatal crashes on roadways by 2030. The Fiscal Year 2022 report details progress made on 114 tasks and projects that were undertaken during the year.
The “Garden of Lights” display, which annually transforms Brookside Gardens in Wheaton into a magical winter wonderland, is now open for the 2022 winter season. The exhibit will be open from 5:30-9:30 p.m. every night through Jan. 1, except Dec. 24-25.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, the County’s regional services offices and community partners are hosting hybrid forums to seek input on the Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget. The next forum, emphasizing priorities of the senior community, will be conducted from 7-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the White Oak Community Recreation Center in Silver Spring.
Two Grant Programs Launched to Assist Disabled, Seniors and Low-Income Residents with Transportation Needs
Two grant programs designed to increase transportation services for disabled, senior and limited income residents were launched this week by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation Approximately $800,000 in operating and capital budget funds will be available to eligible nonprofits to create assistance programs or enhance existing ones.
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Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund Loan Supports Leeland Tenants in Purchasing Their Takoma Park Apartment Building
Montgomery County has announced financial support for efforts by the Leeland Tenants Association in Takoma Park to purchase their building, helping facilitate homeownership for the longtime tenants. The County committed $281,250 over three years using funds from the recently created Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund.
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 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.
 Montgomery County Recreation is hosting holiday-themed, family-friendly events for everyone to enjoy this winter. From cocoa and crafts to photos with Santa, December events will be hosted at community recreation centers, senior centers and aquatic facilities across the County.
 “Christmas on the Farm,” a special way to celebrate the holidays in a country setting, will be at the Montgomery Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood on Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 3-4.
 The Rockville Civic Ballet will present six total performances of the holiday favorite The Nutcracker on Dec. 3, 4, 10 and 11. Eleanor Simpson and Erin Kwong will direct the classic that follows Clara on her magical journey.
 The stars of Olney Theatre’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast will talk about the production, their roles and their careers at a special free event at the Silver Spring Civic Building from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6. The special event will be presented by Silver Spring Town Center, Inc., in collaboration with Olney Theatre.
Olney Art Association Annual Membership Exhibit on Display at Gaithersburg’s Bohrer Park Through Jan. 29
The annual Olney Art Association (OAA) juried member exhibition will be on display at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg through Jan. 29. The exhibit features 46 works of art by 19 member artists of the OAA.
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‘A Wide Place in the Road—The Roots of Modern Bethesda’ to be Featured Montgomery History Presentation on Thursday, Dec. 8
The evolution of Bethesda will be the subject of a free Montgomery History online presentation at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8. “A Wide Place in the Road—The Roots of Modern Bethesda” will be guided by Bethesda Historical Society Secretary and Tour Chair Hank Levine.
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 Michael W. Twitty, an award-winning culinary historian, food writer, teacher and author, will join the free, online “Contemporary Conversations” series of Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10. Mr. Twitty will be discussing the connection between the foods and traditions of the African Atlantic and the global Jewish diaspora.
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