 This week the County Executive discusses how our County responded to the biggest winter storm in several years and ways to remain safe in the bitter cold. He talks about why this storm was so hard on everyone from our snow removal crews to utilities companies responding to emergencies tied to aging infrastructure. He also discusses the County's legislative priorities for 2025 after attending the opening of the Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis. The County Executive also highlights statements by Council Vice President Will Jawando and Councilmember Kristin Mink and appreciates their expressions of concern and call to pause the Attainable Housing Strategies Initiative plan.
Stories in this issue include:
 As Montgomery County residents navigate icy conditions following this week's snow, the Montgomery County Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Transportation (MCDOT), and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC Water) are urging residents and businesses to moderate salt usage during winter weather events.
 This week brought the first significant snow in several years, and residents may have questions about who to ask for information, how to get updates on snowplowing, who to report a power outage to and how to report other issues and concerns. The following is a list of winter resources available to residents throughout the season.
 Between our recent snow and frigid temperatures forecast for the upcoming week, it’s important to remind residents that during an extreme cold alert, Executive Regulation 17-17 is in place. Leaving animals outside unattended in dangerous conditions is against the law. If you see a pet in danger, call 301-279-8000.
 Montgomery County will host a free celebration to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19, at the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda. The celebration will feature music, storytelling, local talent and celebrity guest appearances. The Music Center is located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane.
 The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Community and Population Health program—in partnership with the Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence—is offering a six-week, free online program to help people manage diabetes. Starting Jan. 15, all sessions of the Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP) will be held on Wednesdays from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Additional classes will be on Jan. 22, 29 and Feb. 5, 12 and 19. Registration is required.
 Montgomery County Recreation is once again hosting safe, fun and exciting camps that promote children's active and healthy lifestyles this summer. Camp registration begins at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21 for County residents.
Job seekers 50 and older could benefit from a free virtual job fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21, designed specifically for them. Age-friendly employers are also being sought to participate in the event, which is being co-sponsored by Montgomery County Government and the Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington (JCA). To learn more about the job fair, and to register to participate, click here. Participants can join the Expo, exit, and rejoin the Expo as their schedule permits.
 The Montgomery County Commission for Women will host its 45th Annual Women’s Legislative Briefing (WLB), at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, at The Universities at Shady Grove (USG). USG is located at 9630 Gudelsky Drive in Rockville.
 Montgomery County will conduct its annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count to identify unhoused individuals from 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29, to 3 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30, and volunteers are needed to assist with this important effort. The PIT count provides a snapshot of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in our community on a single night. Volunteers will be deployed in areas where unhoused individuals are known to shelter or congregate, engaging those they encounter to participate in a brief survey.
 The Montgomery County Office of Procurement launched a Veteran Business Preference Program (VBPP) on Jan. 2, as part of the Local Small Business Reserve Program (LSBRP).
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