 This week, in his media briefing, County Executive Elrich was joined by County Council President Kate Stewart to address concerns and questions about new Presidential administration executive orders and actions. He also reflects on the death of Montgomery County Fire Rescue Services Lt. Christopher Higgins after attending his memorial service. The County Executive previews Saturday’s Women’s Legislative Briefing and highlights a recent visit from Maryland Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson. He also recognizes the upcoming Lunar New Year and invites County residents to take part in events happening throughout the community.
Stories in this issue include:
 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 is organizing a delegation of business, academic and government leaders to travel to Taiwan to attend the 2025 Smart Cities Conference March 18-21. Delegation members will meet with potential business prospects for the County and other potential partners. A Maryland Department of Commerce ExportMD Grant can provide for up to $5,000 and is accepting applications through Saturday, Feb. 1.
 For the professional football fans in the community, Visit Montgomery has compiled a list of places where you can enjoy watching the Sunday, Jan. 26 game between the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Montgomery County’s Alcohol Beverage Services’ (ABS) annual limited availability whiskey lotteries offer residents the opportunity to purchase highly sought-after spirits. The lotteries, open until 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, 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 Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has announced a grace period for customers until Sunday, March 30, for the 2021 code adoption, which went into effect on Tuesday, Dec. 10. The 2021 codes were adopted following the Montgomery County Council’s approval of Executive Regulations 13-24 and 14-24.
The 2021 codes will become mandatory on Monday, March 31. Permitting applications submitted prior to March 31 will have the option to remain under the previously adopted codes with local amendments.
A comprehensive bus network implementation plan, a recommendation of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s “Ride On Reimagined” study, will expand access to public transportation and provide faster, more reliable bus service by changing bus routes and frequency, expanding coverage to underserved areas and adding new bus routes.
 Are you an early-stage Montgomery County technology or wholesale product manufacturing entrepreneur? Check online to see if you are eligible to apply for the Technology Innovation Fund or the Founders Fund for commercialization grants to help you grow your business. Applications for both funds now are open and will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan.31. These new funds offer a combined $10 million in commercialization grants to spur economic development and create equitable opportunities for growth and prosperity.
Montgomery County’s Commission on Aging (COA) will host a free virtual event to showcase programs and resources that support older adults in living active, healthy and independent lives. The event will be held from 2– 3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30.
The event will provide an opportunity to learn about the County’s programs and services for older adults, including wellness and recreation activities, caregiving resources, meal programs, transportation options and opportunities for learning and employment. Attendees also will be able to engage with the Commission and share their interests and concerns.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is hosting a hybrid community meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30 to provide updates on the Oak Drive (MD 27) sidewalk project.
 The Maryland Public Service Commission is hosting a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, to comment on a proposal by Chaberton Solar Sugarloaf I, LLC to construct a 4.0 MW solar generating facility in Montgomery County. The hearing will be held at the Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department, located at 19801 Beallsville Road in Beallsville. The first public comment hearing in this case was held on July 10, 2024.
Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) has released the seventh episode of its podcast series “Spirited Discussions: A Podcast by Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services.” The series helps residents and businesses understand alcohol products, trends and policies in Montgomery County. The seventh episode, “Premium Sipping Tequila,” explores the explosive popularity of fine tequila, tips for enjoying premium spirits and product education opportunities in Oak Barrel & Vine stores.
 Montgomery History is looking for volunteer judges for the National History Day competition on Saturday, March 8. National History Day is a transformative learning experience for middle and high school students where they learn about history hands-on by creating projects centered around a theme. Through months of research using primary and secondary sources, students create and present a presentation in one of five formats: paper, exhibit, documentary, performance or website.
 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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