County Executive Marc Elrich talks about how this past week
has been one of the most difficult in County history, including with
the death of a volunteer firefighter. He talks about actions to ensure
the safety of all students and employees of County schools. He
addresses the decline of COVID-19 in the County, but remains cautious
about a possible new variant on the horizon. The County Executive urges
all eligible residents to take advantage of Earned Income Tax Credits.
He offers thanks to the County Attorney, who is retiring after 37 years
serving the County. And he salutes a military legend, who passed away
last week at age 102.
County Council
Extends Indoor Masking Guidance in Public Spaces Through Feb. 21
The regulation requiring masks to be worn indoors in
public spaces to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 was extended this
week through Feb. 21 by the Montgomery County Council, which acted in
its role as the County Board of Health. The Council also decided not to
vote on a proposal to require a vaccine passport to enter specific
indoor venues.
County Providing
Free N95 Masks and COVID-19 Test Kits at Libraries
Montgomery County residents can pick up free, adult-sized
N95 masks and COVID-19 test kits at 19 Montgomery County Public
Libraries (MCPL) branches. Along with getting COVID-19
vaccines and booster shots, wearing a well-fitting mask in indoor
public settings or in crowds is important protection from the
virus.
How to Order Free COVID-19 Rapid At-Home Test Kits from
the Federal Government
The Federal Government is making COVID-19 rapid at-home
test kits available at no cost. The limit is four kits per household
and will be sent via the US Postal Service.
COVID-19
Information Portal Has Statistics on the Virus Including Infections and
Vaccinations Given by Zip Codes
Montgomery County’s COVID-19 Information Portal provides a
variety of breakdowns on how the virus has impacted the County. The
statistics are updated to reflect the most recent reports from the
State of Maryland during the health crisis. Among the information available
is how many positive cases have been reported in each zip code in the
County.
Commission for
Women’s Virtual Legislative Briefing to be Featured on the Newest
Episode of the ‘What’s Happening MoCo’ Podcast
The Montgomery County Commission for Women (CFW) is
entering its 50th year of helping to ensure that women and girls are
treated fairly in all aspects of their lives. On the latest episode of
the What’s Happening
MoCo podcast, CFW Chair Donna Rojas talks about the
organization’s accomplishments and its upcoming Women’s Legislative
Briefing that will take place virtually on Sunday, Jan. 30.
County Awards
Grants Totaling $700,000 to Nonprofit Organizations to Deter Hate
Crimes and Support Security Needs
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, County Council
President Gabe Albornoz and members of the Council joined nonprofit
and faith leaders this week to announce 61 recipients received grants
totaling $700,000 to improve security and deter hate crimes through
the County’s Nonprofit Security Grants program.
County Libraries
Provide Free Access for Cardholders for Publications Such as ‘The
Washington Post’ and ‘Consumer Reports’
Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) provide many
services for their users. Among them are free online access for library
card holders to publications such as The
Washington Post and Consumer
Reports.
DEP Video Series
Addresses the Often-Asked Question of ‘Is This Recyclable?’
Most people want to recycle items when possible rather
than put them in the trash, but understanding what is and what is not
recyclable can be confusing. The County’s Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) has produced the “Is This Recyclable?”
video series to help people understand what is and what is not
recyclable.
County to
Participate in Building Performance Standards Coalition that Will Drive
Jobs, Equitable Climate, Health and Energy Benefits
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich this week
announced that the County has committed to inclusively design and
implement building performance standards and complementary policies and
programs. The commitment will drive investment into building retrofits
and good-paying jobs that create healthier buildings and lower housing
and energy costs.
‘Library Lovers
Month’ Free Kickoff Event to be Held Virtually on Saturday, Feb. 5
Library Lovers Month 2022” will kick off with a free
virtual event at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, featuring an ocean-themed
STEM program for elementary school aged youth presented by the “Hip Hop
M.D.” Maynard Okereke
County
Commission on Veterans Affairs to Honor Those Who Served
Country with Virtual Tributes During Black
History Month
The Montgomery County Commission on Veterans
Affairs will honor County uniformed service members
and veteranswith an
expanded detailed virtual display of tributes as part
of its celebration of February as Black History Month.
Explore the
Night Sky Through Free Online ‘Indigenous Star Stories’ on Saturday,
Jan. 29
Residents interested in what happens in the sky will want
to explore “Indigenous Star Stories” that will have a
free Skywatching talk at 7 p.m. on Sat., Jan. 29. The virtual
program, sponsored by the Gaithersburg Community Museum, will stream live
on the Community Museum Facebook page.
‘It Happened
in Rockville: Remembering Two Lynchings’ Exhibit to be Displayed at
Rockville Memorial Library
The Montgomery County Lynching Memorial Project
(MoCoLMP) “It Happened in Rockville: Remembering Two Lynching”
exhibit is coming to the Rockville Memorial Library in Downtown
Rockville. The exhibit will run from Feb. 1-28 during library hours.
‘Heads Up,
Phones Down’ Video Contest to be Held Feb. 1-22 for County Teens to
Promote Safer Driving and Walking
Montgomery County teens have an opportunity to win some
great prizes by producing videos to encourage peers not to allow cell
phones to distract them while driving and walking. The County
Department of Transportation’s “Heads Up, Phones Down” high school
video contest will be accepting entries of 30-second Public Service
Announcements (PSAs) between Feb. 1 and Feb. 22.
Free Online
Workshops for Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs in February
Free online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared
toward assisting renters, job seekers and entrepreneurs will be offered
throughout February. The programs are sponsored by Montgomery County
Public Libraries.
