 This week, County Executive Marc Elrich highlights the accomplishments of the Maryland General Assembly session. He provides an update on an offer to reopen the popular White’s Ferry and shares an update on the Energy Summit. It’s National Public Health Week, and he recognizes the efforts of public health workers. Finally, he shares practical information about decreasing food waste during Food Waste Prevention Week and information about food scraps recycling drop-off locations at farmer’s markets.
Stories in this issue include:
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich will deliver his annual “State of the County” address at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, at the Leggett Executive Office Building (LEOB) in Rockville. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place on the terrace level of the LEOB, located at 101 Monroe Street in Rockville. Light refreshments will be served.
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Montgomery County officials and key partners recently launched Mobilize Montgomery, a strategic collaboration aimed at supporting workers and businesses affected by the recent federal budget cuts by providing resources, amplifying outreach efforts from the Montgomery County Government, creating toolkits to support affected businesses, and developing new programs such as weekly webinars and new events geared toward employees and employers. As part of this effort, the partners also launched a new website, which will serve as a one-stop shop for resources for both employees and businesses alike. The website will be continuously updated and will feature upcoming webinars, events, job postings and business incentives available to the public.
 The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Babies Born Healthy program (BBH), along with the African American Health Program (AAHP), DHHS’ Early Childhood Services (ECS) and the Improved Pregnancy Outcomes program, will host a free community event to provide health support to Black children and families, from preconception through early childhood. The Fifth Annual “Right from the Start” event will take place from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 12 at Holy Cross Hospital, located at 1500 Forest Glen Road in Silver Spring.
 Montgomery County officials last week announced the expansion of the single-family residential curbside recycling program to include the on-call collection of electronic items and household batteries. This service will be available to all residents who receive County-provided recycling collection services, and it will be fully implemented County-wide by the end of 2025.
 Early Childhood Services, a program of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), has launched the first episode of its “ELEVATE Podcast,” a new initiative designed to support parents, educators and community partners in fostering the growth and development of young children.
 Montgomery County’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is warning residents about a rise in driveway paving scams after receiving multiple reports from homeowners recently. These scams involve unlicensed workers offering low-cost paving or resurfacing services, often resulting in poor-quality work, unfinished jobs or unexpected payments. Homeowners should be aware and take appropriate steps to avoid falling victim to the scams.
 Health officials from the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) today released the updated health status report, “Health in Montgomery County 2013-2022.” This surveillance report offers a comprehensive look at the County’s population health through data and statistics on key topics, including demographics, social determinants of health, vital statistics, maternal and infant health, chronic diseases, infectious diseases, behavioral health, injuries and environmental health.
 Join the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) throughout April to celebrate Earth Month, with special events promoting sustainability, conservation and eco-friendly action. Highlights include Tree Montgomery’s 10th Anniversary, the 10th Annual GreenFest and Climate Conversations at County libraries.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will offer low-cost adult bike classes in May and June. The classes will include six Learn to Ride and one Basic Skills class. MCDOT also will offer four free, walk-up e-scooter classes following select bike classes.
 If you are a current or former federal employee over 50 navigating the next chapter of your career, you may be interested in a special three-hour virtual workshop designed to help recently unemployed or otherwise adversely impacted federal sector workers learn the essential skills and tools needed to transition successfully into the private sector or start their own consulting businesses. The workshop will be held from 9 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, April 23. The free workshop is sponsored by the JCA Career Gateway.
 Get ready, runners, cheer squads and fun-seekers—the popular Pike’s Peek 10K is hitting the streets on Sunday, April 27 and the Pike District Partnership is hooking up one lucky winner with a free race bib (worth $48). This fast, downhill race from Shady Grove Metro to Pike & Rose is one of the most exciting 10Ks in the area, and whether you're sprinting for a PR or just soaking up the vibes, this event is all about good times and fast miles.
 The Rockville Science Center will host the 34th Annual Rockville Science Day on Sunday, April 27, and the family-friendly event offers everyone a chance to experience a variety of science and technology-related exhibits, activities, games and demos. The free event is from noon-5 p.m. at Montgomery College’s Rockville campus.
 Registration for Head Start/Pre-K is now open for the 2025-2026 school year.
The City of Gaithersburg is proud to host the first Gaithersburg Film Festival, three days of film screenings and discussions to celebrate the community’s rich diversity.
 Join the Friends of the Agricultural History Farm Park for the Gas and Steam Engine Show on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, April 27, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood, MD.
 Montgomery County residents are encouraged to participate in the regional Bike to Work Day on Thursday, May 15 and online registration is now open. The event is held annually across the nation to celebrate bicycling as a fun, healthy and climate-friendly way to travel. There will be dozens of free pit stop events throughout the region and 14 within Montgomery County. The County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is sponsoring eight pit stops. The first 18,000 bicyclists to register and participate will get a free t-shirt and will be automatically entered into a raffle for a chance to win a new bike.
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