 This week County Executive Marc Elrich highlights the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s “Sweet Release” baking program and urges residents to help support local nonprofits that provide important services to our neighbors. He highlights Governor Wes Moore’s actions to support local revitalization projects and improve the State’s procurement system. He also discusses the challenges of transportation funding for the American Legion Bridge. Finally, he sends wishes for a safe and happy holiday season.
Stories in this issue include:
 The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have schedule and program changes for Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25.
 Montgomery County’s Office of Human Rights recognized six outstanding individuals for their contributions to advancing human and civil rights at the 13th biennial Human Rights Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 15, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown. Watch the videos and view photos of the event to see how these remarkable honorees have made a lasting impact on our community.
 Montgomery County Public Libraries, in collaboration with the National Basketball Association’s Washington Wizards and Friends of the Library Montgomery County, invites readers up to age 18 to participate in the 2025 Winter Reading Challenge, which will run from Saturday, Dec. 21 through Sunday, March 16, 2025. This year’s theme, “Active Bodies, Active Minds,” encourages participants to embrace reading and physical activity, providing a fun and healthy way to begin the New Year.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation is offering free parking in County-owned garages and lots on Saturday, Dec. 21. This day is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Parking fees at on-street meters will still be enforced.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation and the Montgomery County Police Department are warning residents ahead of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays to plan out their evenings and not drive if they choose to celebrate with alcohol or have used cannabis.
 Montgomery County Recreation’s RecFit passes will continue to be free for County residents in 2025. The free RecFit pass provides access to fully equipped fitness rooms, open gym (drop-in) activities and game rooms at any community recreation center during regularly scheduled hours.
 The holiday season is the perfect time to give back, with countless worthy nonprofit organizations seeking support. Unfortunately, scammers are out there hoping to trick you into donating to fake charities. The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection offers the following tips to help you avoid falling victim to scams and ensure your donations truly make a difference.
 Montgomery County Recreation is now accepting applications for 2025 Rec Assist, the department’s financial assistance program. Rec Assist provides County residents who receive eligible public assistance an opportunity to receive a scholarship to use toward most Recreation classes, activities and memberships that have a cost associated with them.
A new hate-bias incident complaint portal and hotline simplifies the process for reporting incidents to the Montgomery County Police Department. Residents can report a hate-bias incident by visiting montgomerycountymd.gov/report-hate or calling the County’s 311 Call Center from 7 a.m.–7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
 From Friday, Dec. 20 through Monday, Dec. 30, Metro will alter train service and close some downtown stations as part of a major construction project to improve tracks and signaling, which will result in a smoother ride for customers.
Two groundbreaking funding programs are available to support innovative early-stage businesses and underrepresented entrepreneurs: the Technology Innovation Fund and the Founders Fund. These programs offer a combined $10 million in commercialization grants to spur economic development and create equitable opportunities for growth and prosperity.
|
 As the calendar year comes to a close, a reminder that the second installment of real property tax payments is due on Tuesday Dec. 31.
Montgomery County Recreation is hosting two free summer camp fairs in January to help families plan for their children’s summer activities. The first will take place on Sunday, Jan. 5 at Germantown Community Recreation Center, located at 18905 Kingsview Road. On Saturday Jan. 11, the East County Community Recreation Center, located at 3310 Gateshead Manor Way in Silver Spring, will host a fair.
 Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) has released the this episode of its podcast series “Spirited Discussions: A Podcast by Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services.” This episode, “Selecting French Wine,” examines the distinctive winemaking regions in France, how to pair French wines with food and the ways ABS helps its customers find the right wine for their needs. The series helps residents and businesses understand alcohol products, trends and policies in Montgomery County.
The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Summer RISE Program is seeking businesses, nonprofits, higher education institutions and government agencies to host rising MCPS juniors and seniors this summer. Summer RISE provides students with valuable opportunities to explore careers aligned with their interests, helping them make informed decisions about their college or career paths.
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection’s “2024 Year in Review” video highlights the innovation, achievements and environmental stewardship the County is making towards meeting the goals of the Climate Action Plan.
|
