 This week, County Executive Marc Elrich honors Lieutenant Christopher Higgins, a firefighter who died in the line of duty. He also discusses his recent Recommended Fiscal Year 2026 Capital Budget and updates to the Fiscal Year 2025-2030 Capital Improvements Program. The County Executive also discusses Governor Wes Moore’s proposed budget. Finally, he highlights upcoming weekend events honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and invites residents to participate.
Stories in this issue include:
 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.
Montgomery Parks is looking for volunteers interested in participating in the Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Weekend of Service Saturday, Jan. 18 through Monday, Jan. 20. Residents are encouraged to volunteer to honor Dr. King's life and legacy and to improve their communities.
 The Montgomery County Government and programs that impact County residents will have holiday schedule and program changes for the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday on Monday, Jan. 20.
Montgomery County’s Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) will open registration on Sunday, Jan. 19, for its annual limited availability whiskey lotteries, offering residents the opportunity to purchase highly sought-after spirits. The lotteries are free to enter, but there are residency requirements.
ABS expects to release more than 900 bottles for purchase through the lotteries. Among the spirits that County residents will have an opportunity to purchase are five bottles of Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year, four bottles of Double Eagle Very Rare and three bottles of Michter’s 20 Year. Maryland residents selected in the lottery will also have the chance to purchase one bottle of George T. Stagg and two bottles of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2024.
 The California wildfires have caused devastating destruction, leaving thousands of residents in need of help. Many people across the country are eager to assist, but it is crucial to ensure that donations go to trusted organizations that will use contributions effectively. The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) reminds donors to take precautions before giving.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) adjusted 27 Ride On bus route schedules on Sunday, Jan. 12, to improve efficiency and on-time performance. The changes reflect a shift of resources to allow for more reliable service where demand is higher. The new schedules are available at rideonbus.com and in print.
 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 3:45 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).
Although there may still be snow on the ground, now is the time to start planning summer schedules. Montgomery Parks summer camp registration begins at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21. The Summer Camp Guide is available online now and offers a complete listing of camp offerings. More than 75 camps are scheduled this year for a wide range of activities, including sports, science, art and nature.
 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).
 The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced that registration is now open for the 12th Annual Montgomery County Energy Summit. The Summit will take place Tuesday and Wednesday, April 8-9, at the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veteran’s Plaza.
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