 County Executive Marc Elrich talks about several proposed bills being considered by the Maryland General Assembly, including one that would require more accountability in the budgets of public schools and another that would require large corporations to pay their fair share. He also addresses the latest report on construction of the Purple Line, with $425 million in increased costs and a delayed completion date now in 2027. The County Executive also notes that his video this week highlights the “Sweet Release” program at the Montgomery County Correction Facility that teaches bakery training so those incarcerated have certified job skills upon their release.
Stories in this issue include:
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Andrew Friedson on March 8 gathered at Wheaton Forest Local Park to celebrate completion of the dedicated bus lane project on University Boulevard (MD 193) between Amherst Avenue and Dennis Avenue in Wheaton.
 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new guidance on protection for common respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, flu and RSV.
 Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center is celebrating its 10 years of service by reducing adoption fees to $10 for new pet owners through Sunday, March 10. The event is sponsored by Friends of Montgomery County Animals.
 The popular “Acoustics and Ales” outdoor happy series sponsored by Montgomery Parks will debut for 2024 with an Irish-themed celebration at North Four Corners Local Park from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, March 9.
 Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will host animation workshops for children aged 10-15 during the week of March 25-29, coinciding with Montgomery County Public Schools’ spring break. Registration is required for each workshop.
“The Past, Present and Future of Bethesda Meeting House—the Church that Named Bethesda” will be the focus of a free online presentation of Montgomery History starting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 14.
 The City of Gaithersburg, in partnership with The Peterson Companies and rio, will host its 22nd St. Patrick's Day Parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 16. Dozens of units will march in the parade, including Celtic dancers and bagpipe bands.
 Only one person knows the secret ingredient to Wild Irish Rose Whiskey: Grandma Rose O'Riley McFadden. Her failing health brings together the two feuding sides of her family, the McFaddens and the O'Rileys, to celebrate her 80th birthday. The rest is for the audience to figure out in “Murder at the Kentlands Mansion,” which will be presented Friday, March 15, and Saturday, March 16.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will hold a virtual public information meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, to discuss the initial concepts of the Cherry Hill Road Bikeway Project in Silver Spring. The meeting will provide an opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions.
 Showcase your ingenuity in creating a cardboard boat can be part of Montgomery County Recreation’s “Rec Regatta” at the Olney Swim Center from noon-3 p.m. on Saturday, April 27. Participants will make their own cardboard boats in advance and compete to see which boat goes the fastest and survives the longest before sinking. All ages are welcome to participate in boat creation, but those in a boat must be 10 or older.
The 2024 Montgomery County Energy Summit has released the education session schedule for its 11th annual gathering for commercial building professionals, scheduled for April 15-16 at the Silver Spring Civic Building.
 The nature centers of Montgomery Parks will have a lion-sized calendar of special events throughout March, including wildflower hikes, leprechaun hunts and even wine on a raptor deck from your own hand-etched wine glass.
 The Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery Women will host a free virtual career guidance session for middle and high school female students—“A Virtual Career Exploration for Her”— from 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 21.
Artist Trading Cards are miniature works of art. At 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, the Silver Spring-based SPARKLE program will continue its series of innovative workshops when it presents “Get Your Creativity Blooming with Artist Trading Cards” at the Silver Spring Civic Building.
Office of Procurement Reports Record Funding for Contracts with Minority and Local Businesses in Fiscal Year 2023
The Montgomery County Office of Procurement’s recently released Fiscal Year 2023 annual reports for the Minority, Female and Disabled-Owned Business Program and the Local Small Business Reserve Program showed record funding for both groups.
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 The Commission for Women has launched its 2024 Girl Power Contest for Women’s History Month. The contest will run through March 31 and is open to all County residents ages 5 and older. The goal of the contest is to foster creativity and entrepreneurial thinking, with a focus of impacting young girls and women.
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