 Montgomery Executive Marc Elrich provides details on his trip this week to Taiwan for the 2024 Smart City Summit and Expo, where he is encouraging international companies to locate in Montgomery County. He uses March as Women’s History Month to describe efforts to recruit more women for the County Police Department and the Fire and Rescue Service. And this week’s celebration of Global Recycling Day was a good time to remind residents and businesses that they should recycle more, while also learning about the expanded list of items the County now accepts for recycling.
Stories in this issue include:
 The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will hold a free, “back to-school” vaccination clinic for school-aged children (pre-K through high school) from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, March 29, at the Dennis Avenue Health Center in Silver Spring.
 Games, arts and crafts, sports, basketball and skateboarding will be among the many programs that Montgomery County Recreation will be offering for spring break during the week of March 25-29. Enjoy a variety of fun activities, sports and games for youth and teens at various recreation centers across the County.
 Spring break is around the corner, and Montgomery Parks has a variety of activities to keep kids active and learning during The special events will include Eye Spy Trains at Cabin John and Wheaton regional parks, skating, tennis, eco board games (teen edition) and history tours.
 Montgomery County Public Libraries 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 Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs will join the national celebration of “National Vietnam Veterans Day” on Friday, March 29. The commission will honor more than 80 Montgomery County Vietnam War Era veterans with detailed tributes displayed on a special website created by the commission.
 High school students across Montgomery County have a message for their peers: “Put those phones away when driving or walking.” That theme was emphasized as the Montgomery County Department of Transportation announced the winners of its 2024 “Heads Up, Phones Down” video contest.
 The nature centers of Montgomery Parks will have a wide variety of special events throughout March, including a wildflower hike and a wine on a raptor deck event in which participants will create their own hand-etched wine glass.
Spring is in the air, and many homeowners may be planning home improvements and renovations in the coming weeks and months.
 Maryland businesses looking to grow through exports can seek customers, suppliers, manufacturers or academic partners in travel that may be supported through a Maryland Department of Commerce ExportMD Grant. The program, which can provide reimbursement for up to $5,000 for eligible expenses, is accepting applications through April 1 for travel in May.
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration has launched “Operation Clean Sweep Maryland” to pick up litter along State roadways. During this effort, motorists are urged to slow down and move over to help protect crews as they work.
 “RespectFest” is a program featuring online activities and an in-person event from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center to celebrate healthy relationships among young people and raise awareness about unhealthy and abusive ones. The program will be hosted by the Montgomery County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council.
The nomination period for the 2024 “Montgomery Serves Awards is now open. The awards are the County's highest honors for volunteerism and are awarded annually.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will be offering low-cost adult bike classes in April, May and June. The classes will include Learn to Ride and Basic Skills classes. MCDOT also will offer four free, walk-up electric scooter classes following select bike classes.
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“Exercises for the Quiet Eye,” a free interactive workshop in two sessions for anyone interested in taking the time to learn new techniques for viewing art, will be held Thursday, April 4, and Thursday, April 11, at the Silver Spring Civic Building. Each workshop will take place from 7-9 p.m. Participants can attend one or both sessions.
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 The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services has unveiled a new Permitting Dashboard for customers to track select permits and plan review turnaround times. The information on the dashboard is updated daily on a rolling basis (30 days and 12 months) and will improve tracking of projects under review.
 A virtual community meeting about proposed improvements to Sligo Creek Trail adjacent to Colt Terrace Neighborhood Park in Wheaton will be held by Montgomery Parks from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26. Planned improvements include a new hard surface trail connector, removal of an existing dirt path near neighboring homes and stormwater management.
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