 This week, County Executive Marc Elrich discusses the ongoing assault on the federal workforce, many of whom live in Montgomery County and highlights resources for federal employees and other affected individuals. He reviews Maryland Governor Wes Moore's annual State of the State address and notes that Moore is the right person to lead Maryland through very challenging budget decisions. The County Executive also weighs in on the recent legislative package, More Housing N.O.W., and explains his initial impressions of the proposals. Finally, he invites residents to attend the renaming ceremony for the Executive Office Building on Feb. 24 to honor former County Executive Ike Leggett.
Stories in this issue include:
 This year for the first time, the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) will offer free safe rides on Super Bowl Sunday. On Sunday, Feb. 9 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 10, WRAP will provide rides to help keep local roads safe from impaired drivers during this traditionally high-risk period. More than one-third of U.S. traffic deaths during the Super Bowl involve drunk drivers.
 The public is invited to attend the Executive Office Building Renaming Ceremony in honor of former County Executive Isiah "Ike" Leggett at 3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 24. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Kate Stewart will be joined by Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, Senator Chris Van Hollen, members of the County Council, other elected officials and community members for the ceremony. The ceremony will take place at the Executive Office Building, Terrace Level, located at 101 Monroe St. in Rockville. A program featuring remarks from elected officials and community leaders, a color guard and musical performances, followed by the unveiling of new signage, a plaque and a proclamation.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is celebrating love during the month of February with its Flash Bus Rapid Transit service. Five Flash BRT buses servicing Colesville Road/Columbia Pike (US 29) are decorated with neon heart lights and heart decals. In addition, starting next week, on Monday, Feb 10, riders who visit the Four Corners, Burnt Mills, White Oak and Briggs-Chaney Flash bus stations can snap selfies with special Valentine installations.
 Montgomery County residents are encouraged to stay informed about the ongoing spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which is affecting wild bird, poultry and dairy herd populations throughout the U.S. While the risk to humans remains low, it is important to take precautions when encountering sick or dead birds.
 Stories of the Underground Railroad are rich and rooted deep in Montgomery County. The historic sites and experiences make for an interesting road trip throughout the County to understand the trials, tribulations and heroism of the freedom seekers. See the Visit Montgomery website for information on taking a self-guided drive during Black History Month.
The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services will host a hybrid Stakeholders Forum from 9 a.m.-noon (doors open at 8:30 a.m.) on Wednesday, Feb. 12, in the second floor auditorium of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission building at 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton.
The forum is designed for architects, builders, contractors, designers, developers, engineers, land use attorneys, permit expediters and other professionals.
 Mark your calendar for the Germantown Visioning Workshop from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at the BlackRock Center for the Arts.
Montgomery County’s Department of Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) began accepting mobile IDs at its Westbard retail store, making it the first government-run alcohol distribution system in the region to accept mobile IDs for age verification when purchasing alcohol. Following the pilot program, ABS may expand this initiative to all its 27 retail stores.
ABS and the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) held a kick-off event at the newly renovated and rebranded Westbard Oak Barrel & Vine store on Wednesday, Feb. 5. The Westbard Oak Barrel & Vine retail store is located at 5390 Westbard Avenue in Bethesda.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is hosting an in-person public forum at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at the Mid-County Regional Services Center, located at 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton. The meeting will be held in the 2nd floor conference room.
 Do you know an individual or organization who goes above and beyond to increase sports opportunities for underserved communities in Montgomery County?
 Montgomery Parks will offer special events during February to celebrate Black History Month and honor history, culture and community.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is asking area high school students to spread the message to put their phones away when on the road.
The annual “Heads Up, Phones Down” contest invites teens to create short videos promoting the importance of focusing on their surroundings instead of their phones while walking or driving. Students can win prizes worth up to $800 and earn up to five Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for their efforts. MCDOT will be accepting entries of 30-second Public Service Announcements (PSAs) through Friday, Feb. 28.
County public and private high school students are eligible to submit contest videos in English or Spanish. Entries can be submitted individually or from a group of up to four students.
 Montgomery County residents with combined household incomes of $67,000 or less can receive free tax preparation services through the Community Action Agency’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Virtual and in-person appointments are available now through April 10. In-person appointments are offered at several locations, including the Community Action Agency in Rockville, Casey Community Center in Gaithersburg and WorkSource Montgomery in Wheaton. All VITA programs serve residents filing with an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) and Community Action’s VITA program assists with ITIN applications on Wednesdays.
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