 Days after a minor earthquake shook Rockville and the surrounding area, and as a potential winter storm approaches the region, County Executive Marc Elrich reminds residents of the many ways they should be prepared for emergencies. The pending winter storm also is a good time to talk about being “Salt Wise” by using enough salt to melt ice on pavements, but not to use too much because that leads to harming the environment. And although it is only January, Montgomery County Recreation is already preparing to open registration for its summer camps, and the County Executive encourages residents to attend a summer camp fair on Jan. 7 or 14.
Stories in this issue include:
 Montgomery County Recreation’s RecFit passes will be free for Montgomery County residents again in 2024. The free RecFit pass provides access to fully equipped fitness rooms, open gym (drop-in) activities and game rooms at community recreation centers during regularly scheduled hours.
 Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection is offering opportunities for live-cut holiday trees to be collected and composted or chipped, keeping trees in a natural state. Trees can be placed for collection starting on the next scheduled recycling collection day.
 Montgomery County Recreation this summer will host safe, fun and exciting camps that promote children's active and healthy lifestyles. Camp registration begins at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16, for County residents. Non-County residents will be able to register beginning Thursday, Jan. 18.
 The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is beginning a $4.6 million safety and resurfacing project this week along MD 650 (New Hampshire Avenue) from Milestone Drive to Shaw Avenue in Montgomery County. Weather permitting, the 1.75-mile project is expected to be complete by fall.
 Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) is celebrating “Dry January” with discount prices on non-alcoholic beverages in its retail stores. Throughout the month, ABS also will offer tastings of alcohol-free products and will post mocktail recipes on its social media accounts to promote responsibility and moderation.
 Montgomery County Public Libraries and the Washington Wizards have teamed up with the D.C. Public Library, Prince George's County Memorial Library System, Alexandria Library, Arlington Public Library and Fairfax County Public Library to get kids and teens reading this winter with the “Wizards Winter Reading Challenge.” The free challenge, designed for kids and teens ages 3-19, will run from Wednesday, Jan. 3, through Wednesday, March 20.
 The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ Child Care Support Services presented the first Early Care and Education Excellence Awards to eight individuals selected from more than 250 nomination submissions. The five categories of Early Care and Education Excellence Awards were established in 2023 to recognize and honor those dedicated professionals who work tirelessly every day to ensure that the County’s youngest children (birth to age 5) receive high quality early care and education.
 All Maryland employers have to pay their hourly employees a minimum wage of $15 per hour starting Jan. 1. This requirement stems from the enactment of Maryland Senate Bill 555 (SB555), also known as the Fair Wage Act of 2023, which was signed into law by Maryland Governor Wes Moore on April 11, 2023.
 A book swap for seniors at Argyle Local Park in Silver Spring on Jan. 7 and a winter tour of Brookside Gardens in Wheaton on Jan. 26 are among the special events that will be sponsored by Montgomery Parks in January.
 Montgomery County residents can continue the tradition of honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through a day of service on Monday, Jan. 15. The Montgomery County Volunteer Center is establishing locations throughout the County where residents of all ages can make a difference in a variety of programs.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation will adjust 25 Ride On bus route schedules starting Sunday, Jan. 14, to improve efficiency and on-time performance. Although service levels are staying relatively the same, the changes reflect a shift of resources to allow for more reliable service where there is higher demand.
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