 A series of anti-semitic acts over the past few weeks has County Executive Marc Elrich strongly warning that Montgomery County will not tolerate discriminatory actions against any group. He looks at the County’s COVID-19 transmission numbers and sees that the County has been elevated to the “medium” rate after staying at the “low” rate for months. With gatherings sure to increase over the next several weeks, he urges residents to be safe while enjoying holiday activities. And during this winter season, he asks everyone to do whatever they can to help those who do not have families, support networks or resources.
 The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have schedule and program changes for the Christmas Weekend, Saturday, Dec. 24, through Monday, Dec. 26.
 The COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics operated by Montgomery County will have several schedule changes during the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
 Montgomery County Recreation will host two free summer camps fairs to help families plan for their children’s summer activities. The fairs will be held on Saturday, Jan. 7, and Sunday, Jan. 22.
 The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center is extending the “Home for the Holidays” fee-waived adoption event for all animals through Dec. 31. The adoption event is sponsored by Friends of Montgomery County Animals.
 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.
 Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s Bus Rapid Transit buses, known as Flash, are all decked out for the holidays. Residents will see them throughout December running along Colesville Road and Columbia Pike (US 29) on the route from the Silver Spring Transit Center to Briggs Chaney and Burtonsville, with stops along the way.
 Montgomery County’s Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has streamlined the process for delivering use and occupancy (U&O) certificates to ensure customers are provided the document as soon as their newly constructed home or commercial space passes final inspection. Once the final inspection is complete and approved, the primary applicant will automatically receive an email with the U&O certificate attached.
 Montgomery County’s annual “Point-In-Time (PIT) Street Count is scheduled for the overnight hours of Wednesday, Jan. 25, and volunteers are needed to help survey unsheltered individuals and households. The County Continuum of Care, the County’s local planning body that coordinates housing, services and funding for homeless families and individuals, organizes the effort in partnership with service providers in the community.
 The Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District will have many holiday and winter-themed programs to keep all ages entertained through the New Year. In addition, the outdoor ice skating rink at Veterans Plaza is now open seven days a week.
 Ready for a change? Whether you are looking to switch careers, re-enter the workforce or create a meaningful retirement, there may be the right inspiration for you from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11, in the free online presentation “Reinventing Yourself Later in Life.” The discussion will be led by motivational speaker and voice over star Laura Doman.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) Division of Transit Services will hold a virtual public forum at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5, to discuss the proposed Ride On bus route 51 extension that would provide service to the ICC Park and Ride lot. The new proposed extended route 51 will operate between ICC Park and Ride lot and Glenmont Metrorail Station with no additional changes to the current stops.
Montgomery Parks has unveiled the concept plan for the new South Silver Spring Park planned for 1110 East-West Highway in Silver Spring. The park will be on the site of the former National Tire and Battery business.
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