 Supporting proposed Maryland laws that would help take reckless drivers off roads are foremost on the mind this week of Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. He also talks about the County’s efforts to increase the number of officers in the County Police Department and innovative attempts to fight crime. On the economic front, the County Executive is enthused by the announcement by AstraZeneca, a global science-led biopharmaceutical company, that it will be establishing a new manufacturing facility in Rockville. And he encourages all residents to join in the celebration of February as Black History Month by attending one of the many events that are planned in the County.
Stories in this issue include:
 Montgomery County Recreation’s spring registration begins at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 12, for County residents for most programs and activities. Registration for Bone Builders, Day Trippers and Senior Outdoor Adventures in Recreation (SOAR) will begin at 9 a.m.
Improbable Comedy will continue to fill Downtown Silver Spring with laughs with its SPRUNG! Comedy Festival from Friday, Feb. 9, through Sunday, Feb. 11, at the Silver Spring Black Box Theatre.
 The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have holiday schedule and program changes for Presidents’ Day on Monday, Feb. 19.
 The Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District is the perfect location for a date night to celebrate Valentine’s Day. This year, Valentine’s Day falls on Wednesday, Feb. 14, which allows for last-minute planners to celebrate through the weekend with your sweetheart, your kids or your friends.
 Maryland Governor Wes Moore this week announced that AstraZeneca, a global science-led biopharmaceutical company, is establishing a new manufacturing facility in Rockville. The company is investing $300 million in a state-of-the-art facility located at 9950 Medical Center Dr., where it will launch its life-saving cell therapy platforms in the U.S. for critical cancer trials and future commercial supply.
 Montgomery County Recreation, in partnership with Carpe Diem Arts, is putting on a Cultural Heritage Concert Series of four performances in February to join in the celebration of Black History Month. The series will start at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, featuring Allison Crockett and Uasuf Gueye at the Gwendolyn E. Coffield Community Recreation Center in Silver Spring.
Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) is expanding its “Highly Allocated Products” (HAL) program to include quarterly releases on Sundays. HAL is comprised of special releases of products, including sought-after bourbons, whiskies and other small-batch spirits. The HAL program ensures that access to rare products is distributed fairly among retail customers and license holders across the County.
 “Montgomery Connects,” Montgomery County’s digital equity and inclusion program, has launched a new program to distribute 60,000 free laptop computers to low-income families. There is a limit of one computer per resident. Eligible recipients must be Maryland residents, do not need to be U.S. citizens and may not have already received a computer from the County before April 2023.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is spreading the love during the month of February with five US 29 Flash buses decorated with pink neon heart-shaped lights in honor of Valentine’s Day. In addition to the decorated buses, MCDOT is offering residents and riders a way to send love to their Valentines, and possibly win a prize package for two.
 The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services has launched three new geographic information systems (GIS) maps on the front page of its website to keep the public informed about properties in an area’s floodplain. The maps also will highlight permitting activity around the County for commercial use and occupancies and inspections in near real time.
A virtual community meeting to discuss proposed renovations at Dalewood Drive Neighborhood Park in Wheaton will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13, by Montgomery Parks.
Washington Grove is a small town in the middle of Montgomery County with a unique form of government. It was called by its first mayor, “a town within a forest, an oasis of tranquility and a rustic jewel in the diadem of the great free state of Maryland.” At 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13, the history of Washington Grove will be the focus of a free online presentation from Montgomery History.
 Preparing your garden for spring, celebrating Black History Month, taking a maple sugar walk and having Valentine’s Day fun are among the special events and programs that will be hosted by Montgomery Parks in February.
Montgomery Parks will commemorate Black History Month with events throughout February.
 Brimming with must-see museum exhibits, spectacular theater performances, guided tours and adventurous outings, Visit Montgomery is suggesting to County residents that there are all types of activities that can keep enthusiasts busy throughout the year. For 2024, Visit Montgomery has identified 24 County places to explore in the new year.
“Live Garra Theatre” of Silver Spring will have a week of performances Tuesday, Feb. 13, through Sunday, Feb. 18, in celebration of Black History Month. The performances, which will be at the Silver Spring Black Box Theatre, will have a theme of “A Thirst for Freedom.”
 Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has released the 2023 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), and the report shows that mental health is the most important health issue to residents and stakeholders surveyed. The CHNA details the health and socioeconomic needs, issues and barriers of the community.
 The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ Public Health Services, in partnership with the Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence, will offer a free community-based Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP) beginning Thursday, Feb. 22. The six-week program will be held virtually from 5:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday.
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