 County Executive Marc Elrich this week discusses details of his recommended 2025-30 six-year Capital Improvements Program budget, which he presented to the County Council for its review. Following the first significant winter storm to hit the area in two years, he addresses how Montgomery County prepared and responded to the heavy snow. For owners, or potential owners, of electric vehicles, County Executive Elrich talks about how Federal grants will lead to an increase of charging stations around the County.
Stories in this issue include:
 The eighth annual Montgomery County Public Libraries free comic convention, MoComCon, which was originally scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 20, in Germantown, has been postponed due to this week's winter storm. The event has been rescheduled for 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, March 2. One of the largest free comic conventions in the Mid-Atlantic area, it will take place at the Germantown Library and at the BlackRock Center for the Arts.
 Income-eligible Montgomery County residents can now schedule free tax appointments with the Community Action Agency's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Appointments for 2023 taxes only are for Montgomery County residents with household incomes of $64,000 or less. Free tax appointments will be available Jan. 22-April 11 at four locations.
 The Wheaton Arts Parade arts organization and Montgomery County Public Libraries have entered into a partnership that will bring free art workshops to the Wheaton Public Library once each month. Each month will have a new theme or new kind of art-making experience. The first workshop will be from 1-2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 28.
 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.
 Snow has already made its presence known during the Winter of 2024—and more may be coming soon. Property owners are doing whatever is possible to keep pathways and driveways clear of snow and ice. While everyone wants to create safety, the Montgomery County Departments of Environmental Protection and Transportation, and WSSC Water are asking everyone to be “Salt Wise” while trying to be snow free.
 Customers of Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) stores contributed more than $65,000 over a recent three-week period to support the “Labor of Love” campaign to benefit March of Dimes and its mission to improve maternal health, help babies be healthy and strong and protect the health of families through programs and advocacy. ABS and UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO organized the campaign with the support of County Executive Marc Elrich.
 Montgomery County Recreation this summer will host safe, fun and exciting camps that promote children's active and healthy lifestyles. Camp registration is now underway.
 Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center in Derwood will be open for adoptions seven days a week beginning Sunday, Jan 14.
 Montgomery County Public Schools rising juniors and seniors will have an opportunity to gain career-based learning experiences this summer through the “Summer Rise” program. The school system is hoping to have more than 1,000 students in this year’s program that will have hosts in all career fields. A seminar for potential host employers will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 30.
 The Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs will honor Black County veterans with detailed virtual tributes displayed on the County’s website as it recognizes February as Black History Month. The tributes to County veterans will feature photos, background information and details of accomplishments during their military careers and afterward.
 The Montgomery County Commission for Women will host its 44th annual Women’s Legislative Briefing (WLB) at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 28, at The Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville. The theme will be “From Proposal to Passage: Collaborating for Justice and Equality.”
 Maryland businesses looking to grow through partnerships with organizations overseas can seek supporting customers, suppliers, manufacturers, or academic partners through a Maryland Department of Commerce for an ExportMD Grant. The program, which can provide reimbursement for up to $5,000, is accepting applications through Feb. 1.
The Fourth Annual ‘Tiny House Building Workshop’ with Artist Marcie Wolf-Hubbard to Have Three Online Sessions Starting Thursday, Jan. 25
The Fourth Annual “Build a Tiny House: Mixed Media Sculpture Workshop” led by artist Marcie Wolf-Hubbard will have three free online sessions on Thursdays, Jan. 25, Feb. 1 and Feb. 8. Each session will be from 6:30-8 p.m.
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 In celebration of its 15th year, the Gaithersburg Book Festival will host former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins for a special free event from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, at the Asbury Methodist Village Rosborough Cultural Arts Center in Gaithersburg. Mr. Collins will share his new book, “Musical Tables,” followed by a book signing and reception.
 Painter Bob Ross once said, "There are no mistakes . . . just happy accidents." On Tuesday, Jan. 30, Silver Spring Town Center, Inc. will embrace that theme as it presents its free online Winter Arts Salon: Happy Accidents. The event, from 7-8:30 p.m., will explore creative works that emerged without intention--as a surprise of sorts. The quarterly salon is hosted by artist Camila Bryce-LaPorte.
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