 As a special holiday weekend approaches, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich says this is the time to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—and serve the community in his memory. County Executive Elrich reminds residents to get COVID-19 booster vaccines as the community transmission level of the virus refuses to decrease. He states that a good way to start off the new year is to take advantage of the 2023 initiative of Montgomery County Recreation to offer residents free passes to community recreation centers. He encourages homeowners to test for potentially dangerous radon gas as January is recognized as “National Radon Action Month.” And he recounts 120 years of contributions of Korean Americans on the eve of the annual Korean American Day celebration.
 The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have schedule and program changes for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 16.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Committee will host, “We Are Martin,” a tribute honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a free celebration event at 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16, at the Music Center at Strathmore.
 Cases of canine influenza virus have been reported by a number of veterinary practices in Montgomery County and in other localities within the Washington Region. The Montgomery County Office of Animal Services (OAS) wants dog owners to be aware, and take precautions, regarding the respiratory disease that is caused by a specific strain of the Type A influenza virus and is highly contagious.
 Montgomery County Recreation registration for summer camps will open on Tuesday, Jan. 17. Families can plan for their children’s summer activities by attending a Summer Camps Fair from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 22, at the Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center.
 Montgomery County Recreation Center membership passes will be free for County residents in 2023. 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.
 A varied lineup of special events and programs will be held throughout January by Montgomery Parks, including a treasure hunt in Wheaton Regional Park and many outdoor adventures.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill 17 public and organizational vacancies on the newly established Montgomery County Sports Advisory Committee.
 Montgomery County Public Libraries and the Washington Wizards have teamed up with the D.C. Public Library, the Prince George's County Memorial Library System, the Alexandria Library and the Fairfax County Public Library to get young people reading this winter with the “Wizards Winter Reading Challenge.” The free challenge, designed for ages 3-19, is now underway and will run through March 31.
 The Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs will honor County U.S. Uniformed Service members and veterans with detailed virtual tributes displayed on the County’s website to mark Black History Month in February. The tributes will include photos, background information and details of accomplishments during their military careers and afterward.
Grant Program Launched to Assist Business Corridors with ‘Placed-Based Management’ of Economic Development, Tourism and Revitalization
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the Montgomery County Council have announced a new grant program open to County nonprofit organizations for “Placed-Based Management” that will assist with economic development and tourism in business districts and in urban corridors with significant business and retail offerings.
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 Montgomery Parks is seeking qualifications from artists who are interested in creating a new public art installation at Gene Lynch Urban Park, the newly completed .25-acre park in Downtown Silver Spring. The deadline for applications is March 10.
 Anyone who has wondered about what it would be like to travel in Svalbarda, the Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, will get to hear first-hand from veteran traveler Carol Lite in a special online presentation from Silver Spring Town Center, Inc. from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19.
 The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Department of Partnerships is seeking employers who would be interested in hosting students that will be part of the 2023 Summer RISE program. Summer RISE is a hands-on career learning experience for rising MCPS juniors and seniors during the summer to engage in learning opportunities related to their field of interest.
 Montgomery History will hold its 17th Annual Montgomery County History Conference as an online event Jan. 21, 25 and 28. The conference will offer a myriad of opportunities to participate, including three keynote sessions, 12 breakout sessions and a film screening.
Photographers of entry and intermediate levels are likely to come away in the right frame of mind if they participate in the special online event “Photography Workshop: Getting to Know Your Camera” from 6-9 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 23. Photographer Andargé Asfaw will lead the free presentation from Silver Spring Town Center, Inc.
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 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation will increase service on 31 Ride On bus routes starting Sunday, Jan. 29. The increases are part of the adjustments to 44 routes overall to improve efficiency based on ridership.
 Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will offer online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting job seekers throughout January. All workshops are free.
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