Holiday Schedule for Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11

The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have holiday schedule and program changes for the observance of Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11.

Schedule changes for the holiday celebrating Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11:

• County offices—Closed.
• MC 311— Closed.
• State offices and courts—Closed.
• State Motor Vehicle Administration offices and Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program stations—Closed.
• Libraries— Closed Sunday, Nov. 10, and Monday, Nov. 11.Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS)—All stores open normal hours, from 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Department of Permitting Services—Closed.
• Ride On Bus Service—Will operate on a Holiday schedule. View route schedules here.
• Ride On extRa, extRa Pink, extRa Lime and Flex bus services—Will operate on a Holiday schedule.
• Ride On Flash Bus Service—The Orange Route will operate on a Weekend/Holiday schedule. The Blue Route (typically, weekday only) will not be in service.
• TRiPS Silver Spring commuter store—Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• TRiPS mobile commuter store—Closed.
• MARC Train—Will operate on "R" schedule on all three lines. Penn Line trains 455 (8:45 p.m. departure from Penn Station) and 454 (10:05 p.m. departure from Washington) will operate. Brunswick Line will be the R, not the R+ schedule. EPTA connecting bus service to West Virginia stations will be available from Train 875 at Brunswick.
• Metrorail—Will operate on a Saturday schedule with trains running from 5 a.m.-midnight.
• Metrobus—Will operate on a Saturday Supplemental schedule. Find more information at https://www.wmata.com/schedules/index.cfm.
• Public parking garages, lots, curbside meters—Free.
• County-provided trash and recycling collections—No collections on Monday, Nov. 11. Collections for the remainder of the week will slide one day, with the final collections on Saturday, Nov. 16.
• Shady Grove Transfer Station and Recycling Center— Entire facility is closed.
• Recreation and Aquatic Centers—Open.
• Senior Centers—Closed.
• For Montgomery Parks information, visit www.MontgomeryParks.org.

Additional information for Montgomery Parks:

• Open Parkways program will operate under its Fall/Winter schedule. Portions of Sligo Creek Parkway and Beach Drive between Knowles Avenue and Cedar Lane will be open to pedestrians and cyclists from 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 8, through 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11. During this time, the parkways are closed to motor vehicles.
• Open on Nov. 11: Parks, trails, gardens, nature center trails and outdoor nature play areas, playgrounds, dog parks, skate parks, outdoor exercise stations and outdoor tennis/pickleball and basketball courts. Open from sunrise to sunset.
• Open on Nov. 11: The inline hockey rink at Ridge Road Recreation Park and street hockey/futsal rink at Dewey Local Park may be permitted or are available on first-come, first-serve (if not reserved).
• Open on Nov. 11: Picnic shelters and campfire rings—available for rental at several locations.
• Open on Nov. 11; Little Bennett campground.
• Montgomery Parks headquarters and permits office—Closed.
• Montgomery Parks customer service office—Closed.
• Brookside Gardens—Closed.

As Veterans Day Approaches on Monday, Nov. 11, County Joins ‘Operation Green Light;’ Solemn Ceremonies Will Be Held; Additions Sought for Tribute to Veterans

As Veterans Day approaches on Monday, Nov. 11, Montgomery County will again join the national “Operation Green Light” salute to veterans and the County’s Commission on Veterans Affairs is seeking additions to its virtual tribute to County veterans. For those who want to attend ceremonies on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, several will be held around the County.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the County Council are supporting Operation Green Light, a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties to honor those who have made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom. The program asks for displays of a green light, from Nov. 4-11, in a window of businesses or residences to honor veterans.

From Nov. 4-11, Montgomery County’s Memorial Plaza, which is located adjacent to the County Executive Building at 101 Monroe St. in Rockville, will be lit with green lights.

More information about Operation Green Light is available at https://www.naco.org/blog/counties-take-action-participate-operation-green-light-veterans.

As part of this year’s salute to veterans, the Montgomery Department of Transportation is wrapping a Ride On Bus with tributes to Operation Green Light and Veterans Day. In addition, 385 Ride On buses will have informational advertising cards with contact information for Veterans Resources and Services. Those services can be accessed by calling ServingTogether at 855-738-7176, going to its website at www.servingtogetherproject.org or by going to the Commission on Veterans Affairs website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/veterans.

The commission encourages all veterans and their families to reach out to find out what resources, services and benefits are available in the County to support them.

Veterans Day ceremonies will be held at several locations throughout the County. Among those ceremonies will be:

• Sunday, Nov. 10. 2:30 p.m. Ninth Annual Veterans Day Program of Jewish War Veterans Post 692. American Jewish Veterans Memorial, Bender Jewish Community Center, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville. Keynote speaker will be Ross Cohen, deputy secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families. Veterans. Light refreshments will be served. Music by Voices of Vets. For more information, contact Joel Poznansky at joelpoz@hotmail.com or Chuck Miller at chuckmiller4@yahoo.com.
• Monday, Nov. 11. 10:45 a.m. Veterans Park, Bethesda. 63rd Annual Bethesda Veterans Day Ceremonies. Corner of Norfolk Avenue and Woodmont Avenue. Sponsored by Montgomery County’s Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center Office, the Bethesda Urban Partnership, the Kiwanis Club of Bethesda and Daughters of the American Revolution. More information is available here. Additional information is available by contacting brandan.stuckey@montgomerycountymd.gov.
• Monday, Nov. 11. 11 a.m. Veterans Park, at the intersection of MD Route 28 and Rockville Pike in Rockville. Rockville’s Mayor and Council will continue the city’s traditional ceremonies. American Legion Post 86 will lead the wreath-laying ceremony and its honor guard will present a 21-gun salute. Free parking will be available at Sandy Spring Bank, 611 Rockville Pike.
• Monday, Nov. 11. 11 a.m. The City of Gaithersburg’s annual Veterans Day Observance will take place at the City Hall Concert Pavilion. City officials and members of local veterans groups will honor those who have served in all branches of the military. Officials, veterans and community organizations will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony, followed by a reception inside City Hall. A reception with refreshments will immediately follow the ceremony in the City Hall Gallery. For more information, go to https://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation/special-events/veterans-day-observance .
• Monday, Nov. 11. 11 a.m. VFW Post 2562 and American Legion Post 268 host ceremonies at Wheaton Veterans Park, 11200 Amherst Ave. in Wheaton. For more information, go to https://vfw2562.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp.

The County’s Commission on Veterans Affairs is continuing to pay tribute to County veterans through a virtual “Tribute to Montgomery County Veterans” website. As Veterans Day approaches, the commission wants to add tributes to the site. The website is open to all residents who have served in military service.

In addition, there will be Montgomery County veterans’ tributes during the month of November in the display cases at the Rockville Memorial Library and the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza.

Many people confuse Memorial Day in May and Veterans Day in November. Memorial Day honors military personnel who died in service, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, the upcoming holiday is set aside to honor all of those who served honorably in the military—in wartime or peacetime. Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans and acknowledge their contributions to national security.

The commission is seeking to expand the Tribute to Montgomery County Veterans website by adding information on more veterans whose information is supplied either by the veterans themselves, by family members or by friends.

The tribute to veterans website can be found at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/veteransday. From this site, there is a link to the commission’s Fallen Heroes page at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/fallenheroes.

A veteran can share their story, or someone can share the story of a friend or family member, by filling out the Commission’s Google form or filling out its PDF form. Questions can be directed to MCCVA@montgomerycountymd.gov.

The following information is needed on the forms:

• Veteran's name.
• Name of person submitting information and relationship to the individual.
• Branch of service and rank.
• Years of service.
• Era served (WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Global War on Terror or peacetime/other).
• Brief narrative of their service.
• Connection to Montgomery County (where the individual currently lives, grew up, attended high school or college/university, etc.).
• Must have been issued a Department of Defense DD-214 veteran status.
• Photos (preferably one during their service and one present day).

By sending an e-mail to be included, the sender agrees to have the information shared on the County's website and in the Commission on Veterans Affairs social media.

To learn more about the Montgomery Commission on Veterans Affairs, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cva.

Veterans Honored by County Ride On Service with ‘Operation Green Light’ Bus

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Andrew Friedson this week joined by members of the Council, representatives of the County Commission on Veterans Affairs and community leaders in Rockville for the County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) unveiling of a Ride On “Operation Green Light” themed bus.

The ceremony was held in the plaza adjacent to the Executive Office Building in Rockville. Among those attending were County Council Vice President Kate Stewart and Councilmembers Will Jawando and Sidney Katz; MCDOT Director Chris Conklin; Commander Chris Thomas of the U.S. Navy (Ret.), representing the Commission on Veteran’s Affairs; and Donny Williams, regional manager for Serving Together

Operation Green Light, a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties, honors veterans for their immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom. The program asks for displays of a green light, from Nov. 4-11, in a window of businesses or residences to honor veterans. The campaign also aims to highlight resources available to veterans for support.

Speakers, councilmembers and community leaders arrived at the ceremony in MCDOT’s #OperationGreenLight Ride On bus, which is wrapped in a design depicting the U.S. flag and an outline of veterans and highlighting Operation Green Light. The Commission on Veteran’s Affairs website and resource line is printed on the back of the bus. 

As Veterans Day approaches on Monday, Nov. 11, there also will be 385 Ride On buses with advertising cards on board that includes contact information for veterans resources and services. Those services can be accessed by calling Serving Together at 855-738-7176 or visiting the Commission on Veterans Affairs website.

The Operation Green Light bus will be deployed on bus routes throughout Montgomery County. Riders hoping to catch the Operation Green Light bus can follow @MCDOTNow on social media to find out where the bus is scheduled to run.

Look for photos of the Ride On Operation Green Light bus in motion on the MCDOT social media channels or by following the #OperationGreenLight hashtag. Riders are encouraged to post and share their bus photos in support.

More information about Operation Green Light is available at https://www.naco.org/blog/counties-take-action-participate-operation-green-light-veterans.

Office of Human Rights Accepting Nominations for 2024 Class of Human Rights Hall of Fame

The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights (OHR) is now accepting nominations for its esteemed Human Rights Hall of Fame, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing human and civil rights in Montgomery County. The nomination period will close on Monday, Nov. 25.

The Human Rights Hall of Fame celebrates residents—both historic trailblazers and contemporary advocates—who have worked to eliminate discrimination and promote social justice. Nominees may be living or deceased and should have made lasting contributions to civil rights within the County.

“Our community’s strength comes from those who have fought tirelessly for fairness and equality,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “By honoring them in our Hall of Fame, we celebrate their achievements and remind ourselves of the work still ahead. Their legacy drives us to build a Montgomery County where every resident's rights are upheld, and every voice is valued.”

To learn more about the Human Rights Hall of Fame program, view a complete list of past honorees or submit a nomination form, visit the Office of Human Rights website.

A selection panel of previous Hall of Fame inductees will review nominations and recommend a select group of honorees for induction. This year’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown.

This is the 13th biennial Hall of Fame selection. Established in 2001 by former OHR Director Odessa Shannon, the Hall of Fame has honored 108 individuals to date.

For more information on submitting nominations, contact OHR Director James Stowe at james.stowe@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Alcohol Beverage Services Podcast Examines the Local Beer Scene and ABS’s Commitment to Supporting County Alcohol Producers

Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) has released the fifth 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 fifth episode, “Local Beer,” examines how one local brewery incorporates history and artistry into its products, how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the hospitality industry and the steps ABS takes to support small alcohol manufacturers.

In the podcast, ABS Retail Operations Chief Sean Peters and Silver Branch Brewing Company’s Chief Operating Officer Brett Robison join host Jocelyn Rawat to explore how art, science and geography come together at Silver Branch Brewing Company to create Dr. Juicy IPA, Gnome for the Holidays saison and Glass Castle pilsner, which are available in the brewery’s taproom and in ABS retail stores. Guests discuss the fast pace of change in the hospitality industry since 2020 and the ways ABS helps small businesses get a foothold in the competitive market.

ABS prominently features local products in all of its 27 retail stores and dedicates marketing resources to the success of local manufacturers. With 31 local small businesses enrolled in the local (LOC) program, ABS posted $2 million in LOC revenue last year and helped put Montgomery County on the map as a destination for craft beverages. Five of the LOC businesses are breweries.

“Local breweries are making excellent products,” said Retail Chief Peters. “We are lucky to have this level of innovation, growth and commitment to the brewing culture in Montgomery County, and ABS is pleased to give these small businesses a platform for additional exposure.”

The Alcohol Beverage Services podcast is posted on the department’s website at montgomerycountymd.gov/abs/press-release and is available on several podcast platforms including Amazon, Apple and Spotify. Subscribe to the podcast by selecting the “follow” or “plus” button on your provider’s podcast platform.

Listeners are encouraged to email ideas and questions for future episodes to abs.spiriteddiscussions@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Previous episodes highlighted the art and science of whiskey barrel picks, defined the “control model” for alcohol distribution, and detailed the underage compliance check program to prevent under-21 access to alcohol. Episode six will help customers select French wines.

The Office of Broadband Programs in the County’s Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Services (TEBS) is providing technical support for the ABS podcast.

ABS is the alcohol wholesaler of beer, wine and spirits for Montgomery County and operates 27 retail stores throughout the County. In addition, ABS manages alcohol licensing, enforcement, and education for more than 1,000 businesses. Generating more than $35 million in net income annually, its profits are used to pay down County debt with a large portion deposited in the general fund to pay for resident services that otherwise would be funded by County tax dollars. Follow ABS on Facebook and X.

Planned Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements to University Boulevard in Silver Spring Will Be Addressed in Public Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 14

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will host a public informational workshop from 5:30–7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, regarding planned pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements along University Boulevard (MD 193) in Silver Spring.

The workshop will be held at Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center, which is located at 1000 Forest Glen Road in Silver Spring.

The MD 193 corridor between MD 97 (Georgia Avenue) and US 29 (Colesville Road) is planned for improvements as part of the State Highway Administration’s Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. It identifies areas of need and prioritizes corridors for pedestrian and bicycle safety projects.

At the informational workshop, State Highway Administration staff will be available to discuss project-specific details. There will be no formal presentation. Attendees can arrive at any time during the workshop to view displays, ask questions and provide feedback. Materials also will be posted on the MD 193 Pedestrian Safety Action Plan Project Portal Page.

Those requiring assistance to participate in the workshop, such as those seeking an interpreter for hearing/speech difficulties or assistance with the English language, can email SHATitleVI@mdot.maryland.gov in advance of the event.

Questions about the informational workshop or general inquiries should be directed to State Highway Administration Project Manager Mulowa Kajoba at MKajoba@mdot.maryland.gov or Community Relations Manager Holly Pearl at Hpearl@mdot.maryland.gov.

The Pedestrian Safety Action Plan was published in May 2023, and five initial corridors were announced for improvements late last year. Along with MD 193, seven additional corridors have been identified for PSAP projects: MD 528 in Worcester County, MD 214 and MD 201 in Prince George’s County, US 40 in Harford County, MD 3 Business in Anne Arundel County, MD 235 in St. Mary’s County and US 40 in Washington County.

Working with community residents, officials and other stakeholders, the State Highway Administration is developing strategies to enhance safety for all roadway users along these corridors by increasing safety and mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists.

‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ Presented by Rockville Musical Theatre on Weekends Nov. 8-10 and Nov. 15-17

Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, returns to 19th-century London seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The story is being told this time by the Rockville Musical Theatre in performances Friday-Sunday Nov. 8-10 and Nov. 15-17 at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre.

The F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre is located at 603 Edmonston Dr. in Rockville. Show times on Fridays and Saturdays is 7:30 p.m. Sunday performances begin at 2 p.m. The show is recommended for ages 12 and older.

Tickets for the show are $26, with $23 discount tickets available for students and seniors. Visit fscottfitzgerald.showare.com/Sweeney to purchase tickets.

In “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” the road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which he opens a new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett’s luck sharply shifts when Todd’s thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up . . . and the carnage has only just begun.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, also known as “Sweeney Todd,” is a 1979 musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Hugh Wheeler. It is based on the 1970 play Sweeney Todd by Christopher Bond. The character of Sweeney Todd first appeared in a Victorian penny dreadful titled “The String of Pearls.”

Sweeney Todd opened on Broadway in 1979 and in the West End in 1980. It won the Tony Award for Best Musical and Olivier Award for Best New Musical. It has been revived in many productions and inspired a film adaptation.

Montgomery Parks November Special Events Will Include Acoustics and Ales, the Annual Urban Wood Sale and the Opening of Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens

Fall is in full mode, with afternoons of shorter daylight and chilly temperatures. However, Montgomery Parks has an exciting lineup of events and activities to brighten November including the opening of the Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, the return of Acoustics and Ales and the annual Urban Wood Sale.

The November schedule of special events will include:

• Urban Wood Sale. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 9‒10. 8 a.m.-noon (while supplies last). Green Farm Maintenance Facility, 8301 Turkey Thicket Drive, Gaithersburg. The annual sale will feature kiln-dried, planed, and air-dried cedar, pine, poplar, ash, beech, cherry, oak and more. Slabs available in different sizes, thicknesses and prices. Credit card only. No advance sales. All sales benefit Montgomery Parks’ recycling programs. Free.
• Wheaton Ice Kid’s Club. Thursday, Nov. 14. 9:30 –11 a.m. Wheaton Ice Arena, 11717 Orebaugh Ave., Wheaton. Club meets the second Thursday of each month. Children will have supervised skating instruction for an hour followed by story, crafts and games. No skating experience necessary. Ages 3–6. Registration required. $15 per child (includes skate rental).
• Junior Gardeners. Fridays, Nov. 15 and 22. 1:30 –2:30 p.m. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton. It is ok to play in the mud at this seasonal gardening program. Activities include stories, crafts and garden walks. Ages 3–5. Registration required. $7 per person.
• Brookside Gardens Vendor Showcase. Sunday, Nov. 17. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton. Planning a wedding? Join the Brookside Gardens Fall Wedding Vendor Showcase to taste food samples, speak with caterers, photographers, planners, musicians and other wedding professionals. Get a tour of the gardens and preview the We Speak Weddings Workshop. Enter the door prize raffle including a free rental at Brookside Gardens. Registration required. Free.
• Garden of Lights. Nov. 22‒Jan. 5. (closed Nov. 25-28, Dec. 24-25, and Jan. 1) | 5‒9 p.m. nightly. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton. Brookside Gardens’ perennial favorite seasonal light display is back! The dazzling one-half mile, walk-through, outdoor exhibit features more than a million twinkling lights formed into tunnels, flowers, animals and other natural elements. This year’s exhibit includes a new lighted archway choregraphed to music, as well as lighted jumping pads. Hot chocolate and light snacks will be sold at the event, in addition to unique seasonal items in the gift shop. Tickets required for ages 5 and older; children under 5 are free but must register. $10 per person.

Programs for 55+:

• 55+ Nature Book Club – Book Review. Tuesday, Nov. 19. 6–7:30 p.m. Sligo-Dennis Avenue Local Park, 10200 Sligo Creek Parkway, Silver Spring. Registration required. Free.

Montgomery Parks is a co-sponsor of the following events:

• H20 Summit. Saturday, Nov. 9. Agricultural History Farm Park, 18400 Muncaster Mill Road, Derwood.

Go to Montgomery Parks event calendar for a complete list of special events and programming and to learn how to sign up using ActiveMontgomery. Visit the Fall 2024 Montgomery Parks Program Guide

Learning About Birds by Watching Feeders and Treasure Hunting in Wheaton Regional Park Are Among Nature Center Special Events in November

Learning about birds by watching feeders at the Locust Grove Nature Center in Bethesda and a treasure hunt in Wheaton Regional Park are among the variety of special events Montgomery Parks will host in November at Montgomery County nature centers.

The schedule of November nature center special programs will include:

• Project Feederwatch. Thursdays and Fridays in November. 11 a.m.–noon. Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda. Become a citizen scientist and count the different species of birds visiting feeders. All skill levels welcome. Bring your binoculars and your love for nature. Ages 5 and older. Registration required. Free.
• Nature Explorers. Tuesday, Nov. 12. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville. Little adventurers will dive into the wonders of wildlife. Join us for fun activities exploring “Super Seeds” on Nov. 7, and “Turkey Talk” on Nov. 12, just in time for Thanksgiving. Registration required. Ages 3–5. $6 per person.
• Black Hill Van Trips: Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Thursday, Nov. 14. 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Black Hill Discovery Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds. Embark on a journey to Delaware’s Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge Center for outstanding views of snow geese, dabbling ducks, and eagles. Ages 18 and older. Registration required. $60 per person ($58, Friends of Black Hill).
• Treasure Hunting in Wheaton Regional Park. Saturday, Nov. 23. 10 a.m.-noon. Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton. Join an exciting geocaching adventure led by a park naturalist seeking hidden caches. Ages 8 and older. Registration required. $7 per person.

Go to Montgomery Parks event calendar for a complete list of nature center programs and to learn how to sign up using ActiveMontgomery. Visit the Fall 2024 Montgomery Parks Program Guide

Clinics Will Administer Free Flu Vaccinations in November

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich is joining County health officials in urging all residents to protect themselves and their families by getting vaccinated against the flu. A number of clinics throughout the County will make available free vaccinations for adults and children in November.

While the flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19, it has been shown to reduce the risk of flu-related illness, hospitalization and death.

Seasonal flu vaccinations are also available through private health providers and at retail locations throughout the community.

“I encourage everyone to get their flu shot this season,” said County Executive Elrich. “It is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself, your family and those around you. A flu shot can make all the difference in preventing serious illness, especially for those at higher risk of complications, like older adults or people with underlying health conditions.” 

Those who should particularly consider getting the flu vaccine include older adults, health care workers, household members of infants younger than six months and individuals with chronic illnesses.

Flu clinics for anyone six months and older will be available at the following locations:

• Saturday, Nov. 3. 10 a.m-2 p.m. Sri Lanka Community Buddhist Temple, 2600 Elmont St., Silver Spring. Make an appointment for anyone six months of age and older.
• Monday, Nov. 4. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dennis Avenue Health Center, 2000 Dennis Ave., Silver Spring. Make an appointment for anyone six months of age and older.
• Saturday, Nov. 9. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dennis Avenue Health Center, 2000 Dennis Ave., Silver Spring. Make an appointment for anyone six months of age and older.
• Saturday, Nov. 16. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dennis Avenue Health Center, 2000 Dennis Ave., Silver Spring. Make an appointment for anyone six months of age and older.

School-age children up to 18 years of age also can visit the weekly Immunization Clinic to receive a flu vaccine. The clinic is held every Tuesday from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Dennis Avenue Health Center, but appointments are required. Call 240-777-1050 for an appointment.

The best way to prevent seasonal flu is by getting vaccinated each year. In addition, good health habits can help reduce the spread of germs and prevent illnesses like the flu. These habits include:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then discard the tissue. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing and before eating. Alcohol hand sanitizer (at least 60 percent alcohol) will help if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as germs can easily enter the body through these areas.
• Stay away from people who are sick, and if you are sick, keep your distance to prevent spreading illness to others.
• Monitor yourself and your family for symptoms of fever, which may include chills, headache, sore throat, cough, body aches, vomiting or diarrhea.
• If you are feeling unwell, stay home from work, school and other public places until you are healthy again.

For more information, visit the flu section of the County’s website.