November 24, 2021

Message from the County Executive


Dear Friends,

Happy Thanksgiving, I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday. I am very thankful for our residents, for your patience, cooperation and continued efforts to keep our community healthy. I am also grateful for the hard work and dedication of the employees of the Montgomery County Government and community partners who work to keep our County safe, healthy and one of the best places to live and work.

COVID-19 boosters eligibility expanded

The big news this week is that everyone 18-and-older who received their vaccine more than six months ago is now eligible for a COVID-19 booster. Boosters are available at pharmacies and through other private providers, and they are also available at County-operated and other health care clinics. Expanded eligibility for boosters is good news for all of us as we approach the holiday season and the winter months. We have enough vaccine for adult boosters, and there are numerous places throughout the community where residents can get vaccinated. This booster will provide an extra layer of protection and help slow down the spread of the virus, which will make our County even safer.

Our children are getting vaccinated

Additional good news is that our children ages 5-11 are continuing to be vaccinated. About 30 percent have already received their first dose, which is the highest number in the State.

Last week, I expressed our concern over lack of supply. I am happy to report that the State sent us an additional 5,000 doses on Monday for a total of 12,000 pediatric doses this week. It did this because we have been effective at vaccinating the children. You can find information about appointments and much more at www.GoVaxMoco.com.

Our farmers are helping feed those in need

As we enjoy our Thanksgiving meals, we remember the thousands of County residents who go to bed hungry every night. Near the beginning of the pandemic, we created the Food Security Task Force. Since then, we have worked with more than 100 food assistance providers and we have provided more than $25 million in the collective work to help our food insecure residents. A few weeks ago, we submitted another $6.8 million from American Rescue Plan Act funds toward these efforts.

Our “Farm to Food Bank” program is producing food for people in need and at the same time helping support farmers in our nationally acclaimed Agricultural Reserve. Last year, our capacity building grants of up to $20,000 helped position 22 farmers to expand food production for 2021. We now have 28 farmers in 2021 that are participating with the Farm to Food Bank to increase wholesale food production for people in need. We plan to continue these programs in 2022 to help address food resiliency, and they are also an important part of our effort to work with our local farmers to expand food production right here in Montgomery County.

Providing rental assistance and health care

During Thanksgiving, we are also thankful for our families and our homes. Unfortunately, there also are thousands of County residents who are behind on the rent and worried about being evicted and becoming homeless. To date, the COVID Rent Relief Program has distributed more than $54 million in direct rental assistance, preventing evictions for more than 8,000 households. As one recipient of assistance noted, “There are no words that can express my gratitude. I appreciate your effort and patience with me more than you know.”

We announced this week an additional $34 million dollars in Emergency Rental Assistance funds from the Department of Treasury.

The program continues to process and accept new applications. If you are behind on your rent and have lost income due to the pandemic or know someone who has, please apply for these funds now. To review program eligibility and apply for assistance, visit www.mc311.com/rentrelief.

We also added $7.7 million for Por Nuestra Salud y Bienestar, our Latino Health Initiative and the African American Health Program (AAHP). These expenditures expand County equity efforts by combatting COVID-19-related health disparities through engagement within the Black, Latino and immigrant communities. I am very proud of these initiatives, and we can see by our data and outcomes, these efforts are working. Earlier this week, Por Nuestra Salud y Bienestar launched this catchy jingle to promote vaccinations: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1839906412860953.

Addressing public safety issues

Some of you may have heard about large gatherings of cars this past Saturday in various places in the County. Our police department heard about the first event in East County that night and it was able to alert the Prince George’s County Police and Maryland State Police. The group then moved to other locations in the County. I am very appreciative of our police who kept pressuring the crowd to move each time they gathered. While it would provide a greater danger to the public for the police to chase the reckless drivers, they were able to contain their activities and eventually move them along without anyone getting seriously injured.

These events have been happening all over the region and I have asked our police department to find these cars, as well as take any preventive measure that are possible. I have also reached out to the Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments so that we can meet and discuss regional strategies and solutions. Although it is tough to prove by a license plate number that the individual a car was registered to was the driver at the event, we are going to be referring all license plates that are gathered to the insurance companies and make them aware that these vehicles were being used in lawless manner. This will enable the insurance companies to hike their rates and hit them in the pocketbook.

We are also going to deploy more license plate readers throughout the County, including in Downtown Silver Spring. If you see reckless driving actions, are aware of a gathering of these vehicles or have video or photos, contact the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000. Please only use 9-1-1 for an emergency or if an accident is witnessed.

I also want to thank the police for the work they have done in Silver Spring over the past month to increase their presence and reduce crime. One month ago, the police launched a crime intervention task force that uses tactics to look for stolen vehicles, position officers in high visibility areas and is working with other County departments—such as Alcohol Beverage Services, Permitting Services and Environmental Protection—to address issues contributing toward crime.

We will keep working together and with others in the region to find a variety of solutions to these problems.

Shop small! Shop local!


For many, the day after Thanksgiving is the beginning of the holiday shopping season. I want to take this opportunity to encourage you to shop local and support our small retail businesses and restaurants. For every dollar you spend at a local retail business, 68 cents stay in our community as compared to 43 cents at national chain retailers and even less for online shopping. Shopping local is also more equitable. Of main street business owners, 28 percent are immigrants, even though immigrants make up only 18 percent of overall business ownership. So, this Saturday, join me in participating in “Small Business Saturday.” Please shop small, shop local and in Montgomery County.

Give on Tuesday and when you can

The Tuesday after Thanksgiving has become known as “Giving Tuesday.” It is a good reminder to take time out to donate or volunteer. We have a multitude of organizations helping make our County even better. This is a good time to thank them for their work with a donation if you are able.

I was honored to be invited this week to attend two events celebrating the 552nd birthday of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. I thanked the many attendees for honoring the beliefs of the Guru Nanak—belief in equality and love for all people. Since the beginning of the pandemic, this Sikh community has distributed more than 300,000 meals and I am very appreciative of its work during the pandemic to reach underserved communities.

I hope you have an enjoyable Thanksgiving. For most of us, Thanksgiving is about coming together and giving thanks for what we have. But the origins of Thanksgiving have a very different meaning for the Native American community. I did want to note during Native American Heritage Month that we need to remember that our Native American population is not thankful for the theft of its land and the atrocities committed. We remember and acknowledge that important history and recommit ourselves to our work for an inclusive, equitable community.

As always, I appreciate your support.

Warmly,



Marc Elrich

November 23, 2021

County Now Providing COVID-19 Booster Shots for Residents 18 Years and Older



The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is now providing booster shots to an expanded group of eligible residents after Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced that the State has expanded eligibility for COVID-19 boosters to include all adults.

“Expanded eligibility for boosters is good news for all of us as we approach the holiday season and the winter months,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “We have plenty of vaccine for adults, and there are numerous places throughout the community where residents can get vaccinated. This booster will provide residents with an extra layer of protection and help to slow down the spread of the virus, which will make our County even safer.”

Residents who are eligible for booster doses can get vaccinated at pharmacies, through private providers or at County-operated and other health care clinics. Eligible individuals who would like a specific vaccine as their booster dose should check with the vaccination site before making an appointment to ensure availability.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to announce the approval of boosters for all vaccinated individuals aged 18 and older in the next several days.

Eligibility for a booster includes:
  • Anyone 18 and older who received the Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccine, at least two months after the single dose.
  • Anyone 18 and older who received the Moderna or Pfizer two-dose vaccine at least six months after the second dose.
Find appointments at County-operated clinics at www.GoVaxMoco.com. Links on the page can also help users find other providers, including retail pharmacies, offering COVID-19 boosters. Help in making an appointment at a County-operated vaccination site can be obtained by calling the COVID-19 call center at 240-777-2982, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Those feeling sick or thinking they may have been exposed to COVID-19, should get tested. Find free testing clinics at www.MoCoCOVIDtesting.org. 

For the latest COVID-19 updates, visit the County’s COVID-19 website and follow Montgomery County on Facebook @MontgomeryCountyInfo and Twitter @MontgomeryCoMD.


Indoor Mask Mandate Again in Effect in County


Montgomery County is again under an indoor mask mandate after it returned to the status of “substantial transmission” of COVID-19 based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

The increase in cases has led the County Council, acting in its role as the County Board of Health, to again invoke its regulation mandating masks be worn indoors.

According to the Board of Health regulation on mask requirements, if the County’s rate of transmission is measured as substantial for seven consecutive days, the indoor mask mandate return is to be implemented. 

In early August, the County Council, acting as the Board of Health, voted unanimously to require all residents, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings indoors once the County became an area of “substantial transmission” of COVID-19. See Board of Health regulation 19-975 for more detailed information. 

The CDC recommended in July that jurisdictions with substantial or high transmission rates of COVID-19 should require masks be worn indoors. The CDC defines substantial transmission as 50-99 cases per 100,000 residents over a period of seven days. 

The County’s COVID-19 data dashboard provides the latest metrics and key indicators. The dashboard is updated daily by 2 p.m.

Residents who are not vaccinated can find free vaccination clinics at www.GoVAXMoCo.com. People who feel sick or think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should get tested. Locations of free testing clinics can be found at www.MoCoCOVIDtesting.org. 

Montgomery County Holiday Schedule for Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 25



The Montgomery County Government will observe the following schedule changes for the Thanksgiving Day holiday on Thursday, Nov. 25:
  • County offices – Closed.
  • State offices and courts – Closed.
  • Libraries – Closed.
  • Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) – All stores closed.
  • Ride On—Will operate on a Sunday schedule.
  • Ride On extRa and Flex—Not in service.
  • Flash—Will operate on a weekend schedule (Orange Line only).
  • MARC Train and Commuter Bus – Information available at https://www.mta.maryland.gov/thanksgiving-day-service
  • TRiPS Silver Spring commuter store—Closed. 
  • TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store—Closed.
  • Parking at public garages, lots, curbside meters - Free.
  • County-collected trash and recycling will not be done on Thursday. Regular Thursday County collections will slide to Friday, Nov. 26, and regular Friday collections will slide to Saturday, Nov. 27.
  • Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station and the Recycling Center will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
  • Recreation: All programs and facilities will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Community recreation centers and senior centers also will be closed Friday, Nov. 26.  
Montgomery Parks—Visit www.MontgomeryParks.org for complete information. The following are the schedules for most facilities, programs and parks:
  • Open Parkways Schedule: Open to pedestrians and cyclists from 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24, through 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 28: 
    • Sligo Creek Parkway:    
      • Old Carroll Avenue to Piney Branch Road (1.1 miles)    
      • Forest Glen Road to University Boulevard West (1.5 miles)    
    • Beach Drive from Connecticut Avenue to Knowles Avenue (2.7 miles)     
  • Open to pedestrians and cyclists from 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24, through 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 28: 
    • Little Falls Parkway from River Road to Arlington Road (1 mile)   
  • Open on Thursday, Nov. 25:  
    • Parks, trails, gardens, playgrounds, dog parks, skate parks, outdoor exercise stations, tennis and pickleball courts 
    • Brookside Gardens – gardens open sunrise to sunset. (Visitor Center, Conservatory, Gardens of Lights closed) 
    • Little Bennett Campground   
  • Closed on Thursday, Nov. 25:
    • Montgomery Parks’ headquarters, customer service and permit offices (also closed on Friday, Nov. 26)  
    • Brookside Gardens’ visitor center, conservatory
    • Gardens of Lights at Brookside Gardens
    • Josiah Henson Museum (grounds open sunrise to sunset) 
    • Woodlawn Manor visitor center and museum (grounds open sunrise to sunset) 
    • South Germantown Driving Range  
    • Cabin John Ice Rink  
    • Wheaton Ice Arena   
    • Pauline Bentz Addie Tennis Center  
    • Wheaton Indoor Tennis  
    • Wheaton Sports Pavilion  
    • Indoor Nature Facilities (grounds remain open sunrise to sunset) 
      • Black Hill Visitor Center (closed Nov. 25-26) 
      • Brookside Nature Center (closed for renovations) 
      • Locust Grove Nature Center (closed Nov. 24-26) 
      • Maydale Nature Classroom (open when programs and events are scheduled)  
      • Meadowside Nature Center (closed for renovations) 

County Encourages Residents to Shop Local, and Look for ‘MoCo Made’ Products, During the Holiday Season



As the world continues to emerge from the still-present COVID-19 health crisis, many aspects of life continue to reach toward conditions that were once considered normal. Among those is holiday shopping, and as the shopping season approaches, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich is leading the County’s “shop local” campaign with a focus on #KeepingMoneyinMontgomery.

The efforts start with “Small Business Saturday,” which has become a national tradition to support local businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving—one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

Visit Montgomery, the County’s organization dedicated to promoting the endless art, entertainment, attractions, historical sites and businesses, is advocating for residents to take advantage of the long holiday weekend to not only shop local, but to explore the unique opportunities offered throughout the County. More information is available at https://visitmontgomery.com/discover-moco/.

The Montgomery County Food Council is urging residents to not only shop in local stores, but also to look for food and products generated in the County. Its “MoCo Made” campaign aims to help people find those locally made products. Learn more about them at https://mocofoodcouncil.org/mocomadeholiday/?mc_cid=9e6db6e44b&mc_eid=cd63e48f8d.

Sites and Scenes from the Annual County Thanksgiving Parade That Kicked Off the Holiday Season in Spectacular Fashion


The annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade again ushered in the holiday season on Nov. 20 in Downtown Silver Spring. The parade included marching bands, spinners with gold and orange hoops and streamers and Thanksgiving-themed costumes and units. The line of march also included a 12-foot turkey; gymnasts and tumblers; performing dogs; colorful Mexican, Peruvian and Bolivian dance groups; fire trucks; music; and colorful inflatable characters.

Scenes from the parade were captured by Clark Day of the County’s Public Information Office and Marketa Ebert Photography.

View photos here.

Thanksgiving Parade

COVID-19 Information Portal Has Statistics on the Virus Including Infections and Vaccinations 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.            

 For more information about the positive cases reported in the County by zip codes, visit the COVID-19 data dashboard at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/data/.          

Other breakdowns on the COVID-19 information portal include:                   

Spectacular Light Shows Brighten Holiday Season at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton and Seneca State Park in Gaithersburg


Two major holiday light displays will be back in spectacular fashion this winter to brighten the season. The Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton is now open and the City of Gaithersburg’s Winter Lights Festival will open at Seneca Creek State Park on Friday, Nov. 26.

The Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens has opened for its 23rd year. It features glimmering displays of more than one million LED lights and allows visitors to stroll through the 50 acres of Brookside Gardens. Admission is $10 per person. Advanced tickets are required.    

Brookside Gardens is located at 1800 Glenallan Ave. in Wheaton.

Visitors walk through the outdoor twinkling lights and glimmering displays that dot the paths and flowerbeds throughout the park. The light displays are handwoven into original works that depict animals, flowers and other natural elements.

Montgomery Parks’ winter-season tradition is open almost every night through Jan. 2. It will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 25, and on Dec. 24 and 25.

There are a few differences about the Garden of Lights this year, including:
  • Tickets are $10 per person for those age 3 and older.
  • Tickets have a timed-entry, with a specific day and entrance time.
  • Checkout and payment must be done online at https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/brookside-gardens/garden-of-lights/.
  • Ticket purchasers will receive digital tickets in a confirmation email.
  • Events goers are asked to bring a printed hard copy of their ticket confirmation.
  • Event goers must arrive within 30 minutes of the ticketed time slot to redeem their tickets.
  • Tickets are non-refundable.
The City of Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival will be open nightly starting Friday, Nov. 26, and will continue through Dec. 31. The festival is closed on Dec. 25.


Seneca Creek State Park is located at 11950 Clopper Road in Gaithersburg.

The 3.5-mile drive goes past more than 450 illuminated displays and beautifully lit trees.

Advance admission tickets are required. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation/special-events/winter-lights-festival.

Tickets are $15 per vehicle Monday through Thursday and $25 Friday through Sunday. Vehicles with 15 or more passengers are $30 Monday through Thursday.

Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District Will Be Filled with Holiday Happenings


The Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District has a season full of holiday events to enjoy this winter. Upcoming events in Silver Spring include activities from the more than 100 arts and humanities organizations, popular arts venues, attractions and entertainment businesses in the Arts and Entertainment District.

Reservations or tickets are required for many of the events. The schedule includes:
  • Ceramic Holiday Ornament Making Workshop at Create Arts Center begins on Wednesday, Dec. 1, from 7 to 9 p.m. Join ceramist Shelley Sarrin for a two-day workshop to create beautiful and personalized ceramic ornaments to give as gifts, display for the holidays or to hang year-round.
  • Wreath Making Workshop in Downtown Silver Spring on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 1-2 p.m.  The Blue Ribbon Floral Flower Truck shows participants how to create custom wreaths to welcome in the holiday season. All supplies will be provided and participants will be able to take their wreath at the end of the event.
  • Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair will occur on Veterans Plaza on Sunday, Dec. 5, from noon to 4 p.m.
  • Maryland Youth Ballet is presenting The Mini-Nut, an abbreviated version of The Nutcracker, at the Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center on Saturday, Dec. 11, and Sunday, Dec. 12, at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The Mini-Nut, a one-hour version with no intermission, is a wonderful introduction to ballet for families with young children.
  • The Akhmedova Ballet Academy is presenting a bold remastering of Nutcracker this holiday season in a special production of “Equal-Rights Night” presented at Montgomery College’s Cultural Arts Center in Silver Spring at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18. 
Downtown Silver Spring also has a “Gifting Tower” as an unexpected and anything-but-ordinary holiday display by Design Foundry. The whimsical Gifting Tower, with its precariously stacked packages on a classic camper van, invokes fond memories of the joy and chaos of traveling home for the holidays. Enjoy the Sounds of the Season with holiday concerts by community groups every weekend through Saturday, Dec. 18. Performances include:
  • Saturday, Nov. 27: Noon: Montgomery Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players. 1:30 p.m.: Clarksburg HS Chamber Singers
  • Saturday, Dec. 4. 3 p.m.: Drop the Mic Acapella
  • Saturday, Dec. 11: Noon: Powerhouse Brass Quintet; 3 p.m.: Six Degrees Singers
  • Saturday, Dec. 18: Noon: Montgomery Blair’s InToneNation; 1:30 p.m.: Banneker Middle School Concert Choir; 3 p.m.: Drop the Mic
Other holiday opportunities will include:
  • The Cheer Station by The Eleanor. Cozy cocktails or spiked hot cider from noon to 6 p.m. through Dec. 18.
  • Lumina Theater will be holding a holiday canned food drive at their performances of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist on at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Silver Spring Black Box Theatre. The food drive will support Tommy's Pantry and the Capital Area Foodbank.
  • The Majestic Theater is showing holiday movie favorite’s Polar Express on Saturday, Nov. 27, Gremlins on Saturday, Dec. 4, Elf on Saturday, Dec. 11, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on Saturday, Dec. 18, and the Metropolitan Opera’s The Magic Flute Holiday Encore on Saturday, Dec. 11. 
The Silver Spring Ice Skating Rink is scheduled to open this winter. A date has not yet been set for the opening.

For more information on Silver Spring events, visit the Silver Spring website.

Public Comment Period for I-495 and I-270 Managed Lanes Study Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement Closes on Tuesday, Nov. 30


Residents have until Tuesday, Nov. 30, to submit comments on the proposed I-495 and I-270 Managed Lanes Study Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) to the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Comments can be submitted through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday.

The SDEIS was published Oct. 1 following more than three years of study, analysis and public involvement under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). A 45-day comment period was originally provided. However, considering input and requests, MDOT SHA and FHWA extended the comment period to 60 days.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, who opposes significant parts of the proposal, had advocated for the longer comment period so more residents could express their views on the plan.

Prior to providing comments, residents are encouraged to review the online presentation and copy of the SDEIS available at OpLanesMD.com/SDEIS. Hard copies of the SDEIS and electronic copies of the SDEIS technical reports also are available for review at multiple library locations in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. A list of thoselocations is available at OpLanesMD.com/SDEIS.

To comment on the SDEIS, residents can provide verbal testimony by dialing 855-432-1483 and leaving a single voicemail message limited to three minutes. In addition, those interested in providing written comments can:
  • Submit an electronic comment form at OpLanesMD.com/SDEIS
  • Email at oplanesMLS@mdot.maryland.gov
  • Send a written letter to Jeffrey T. Folden /Director, I-495 and I-270 P3 Office /Maryland Department of Transportation /State Highway Administration / 707 North Calvert St. / Mail Stop P-601 /Baltimore, MD 21202
Following the 60-day public comment period, MDOT SHA and FHWA will consider comments received and will respond to substantive comments on both the SDEIS and DEIS in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). Comments received or postmarked after the close of the comment period will be reviewed and considered to the extent practicable.

The SDEIS presents results relevant to Alternative 9 – Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370, which was identified in May 2021 by FHWA and MDOT SHA as the Preferred Alternative under the Managed Lanes Study.

While the Managed Lanes Study considers ways to relieve congestion and improve trip reliability, mobility and connectivity for all modes of travel in the National Capital Region—including transit—the Preferred Alternative focuses on replacing the 60-year-old American Legion Bridge and delivering two high occupancy toll (HOT) managed lanes in each direction within Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370. The SDEIS builds upon the analysis and information in the existing Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), but is limited to providing new information about the Preferred Alternative.

The Managed Lanes Study complements Virginia’s I-495 Northern Extension (495 NEXT) project and the joint Maryland and Virginia I-495 American Legion Bridge Transit/Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Study. The Managed Lanes Study further extends the network of travel options with HOT managed lanes by expanding upon the collective efforts to rebuild the American Legion Bridge.

‘Mills of Montgomery County’ Will Be Focus of Montgomery History Online Seminar on Tuesday, Nov. 30


The “Mills of Montgomery County,” including the rise and fall of the milling industry in the County, will be the focus of an online presentation from Montgomery History at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 30.

The talk will describe the nature and diversity of milling operations on the major stream valleys in the County. It also will address archaeology associated with selected mill sites.

To register to join the presentation, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2GKUMB19R5Sp5JgDoU8RTQ.

Residents Can Virtually Join ‘World AIDS Day Solidarity for Health Equity’ Breakfast on Wednesday, Dec. 1


Montgomery County’s HIV/STI Services, part of the County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), will partner with the Montgomery County (MD) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. to host a “World AIDS Day Solidarity for Health Equity” Breakfast at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 1, at the VisArts Gallery at 155 Gibbs Street in Rockville. The goal of the event is to raise awareness of health inequities driving the County’s persistent HIV epidemic.

The event will feature an opening address by Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando, an interactive panel discussion with local HIV experts and women’s health advocates, HIV testing and community partner showcases.

Residents can attend the free event virtually from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Registration is available at tinyurl.com/MoCoWorldAIDSDay.

There also will be a World AIDS Day vigil and open house at the Dennis Avenue Health Center (DAHC) from 5 to 7 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the HIV and STI clinics, meet clinic staff and community partners, get tested for HIV, view sections of the AIDS Memorial Quilt and enjoy light refreshments. DAHC is located at 2000 Dennis Ave. in Silver Spring. Registration for the vigil and open house is available at TinyURL.com/MoCoReflects.

The events are part of the County’s push to end its HIV epidemic by 2030. Montgomery was named a priority jurisdiction for the Federal “Ending the HIV Epidemic” initiative. One year ago, the County released “A Plan to End HIV in Montgomery County,” which outlined strategies to reduce new HIV transmissions by 90 percent in 10 years.

To support Ending the HIV Epidemic efforts, Montgomery County residents are encouraged to:
  • Get tested for HIV, even if you do not think you are at risk.
  • Seek treatment for HIV if you test positive. With successful treatment, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives and prevent transmission of HIV to others.
  • Ask healthcare providers about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, the HIV-prevention medication, to reduce risk of HIV.
  • Learn the facts about HIV and talk with partners, family and friends about it.
  • Fight HIV stigma by showing support and compassion for people living with HIV.
County residents seeking free or low-cost HIV testing, treatment or prevention should contact Montgomery County HIV Services at 240-777-1869.

November 18, 2021

Message from the County Executive



Dear Friends,

As we head into Thanksgiving week, we should be proud that 78.2 percent of our total population is fully vaccinated and 87.7 percent have at least one dose, but these number should not make us feel invincible against the highly contagious delta variant. This week, in response to surging COVID-19 cases nationally, Dr. Anthony Fauci warned, "The somewhat unnerving aspect of it is that if you keep the level of dynamics of the virus in the community at a high level -- obviously the people who are most vulnerable are the unvaccinated -- but when you have a virus as transmissible as delta, in the context of waning immunity, that dynamic is going to negatively impact even the vaccinated people. So, it's a double whammy."

Even though Montgomery County has been one of the highest vaccinated jurisdictions in the nation, COVID-19 cases continue to increase. We have seen a 13-percent increase in cases in the past week, and we have now gone seven consecutive days in “substantial transmission” status. This trend has triggered the County Council’s regulations to reinstate the indoor mask mandate starting on Saturday morning, Nov. 20 at 12:01 am. This means that wearing masks will be required indoors in any publicly accessible areas. As the weather gets colder and more activities begin to move inside, we are likely to see higher rates of COVID transmission. As more of our 5- to 11-year-olds are vaccinated, we will begin to be in a better place. But I don’t think we’re in the place right now, and as we head into winter where cases are likely to surge, we need to proceed with caution.

Families and friends are expected to gather for the Thanksgiving holiday in much larger numbers than last year. As you make your final plans and preparations for your Thanksgiving, please also keep in mind that this pandemic is not over. Please encourage all your guests to get vaccinated if they have not. Make accommodations to space out guests the best you can at your dinner or consider eating outside if the weather cooperates. By being smart and safe with COVID-19 during Thanksgiving, we can avoid having our December holiday gatherings interrupted with illness.

MORE THAN 20,000 5- TO 11-YEAR-OLDS CHILDREN VACCINATED

Montgomery County leads the State in the number of children vaccinated – more than 23,000. We are only about 1/6 of the State population, but we have provided more than 30 percent of the vaccinations.



And notably, we at the County are prioritizing equity and targeting lower income, minority, and immigrant communities to ensure that this vaccine is being distributed fairly. With the vaccines we are receiving, we are working with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), targeting high-poverty schools, and creating popup clinics with our community partners in Latino, African American, and immigrant communities. Many of the County-sponsored clinics have been located at schools with high poverty rates. The County has received only about 1/3 of the doses to the County from the State, but our Department of Health and Human Services in conjunction with the school system has administered 61 percent of the pediatric vaccinations in the County. The remaining 39 percent have been provided by private physicians, pharmacies, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations.



Our success is a result of months long planning and partnering to prepare for this phase of vaccinations.

However, I am concerned about the number of vaccines we will be receiving in the coming weeks. We receive our doses from the State, and we received a reduced amount this week and the State indicated that we might not receive any or a very small amount next week. At the same time, private providers have unused doses. We’ve had to cancel planned vaccination clinics that we were co-sponsoring with MCPS last weekend, and hopefully, we’ll get an increase in doses soon. We have the capacity to administer them. In the meantime, if you are unable to get an appointment through our HHS department, please check with your pediatrician or local pharmacy for an appointment.

OUR PRIORITIES FOR THE COMING LEGISLATIVE SESSION

The 2022 Maryland General Assembly session is fast approaching, and this week I testified before the Montgomery County Senate and House Delegations about our legislative priorities for the upcoming session. While we hope the worst of the pandemic is behind us, we are not out of the woods yet, and we need to remain focused on the need for continued shorter term relief. In addition, we also need support that will lead to greater economic resilience and addresses the systemic problems that the pandemic highlighted. In order for us to remain the economic engine of the State, we are going to need to partner with the State to get the necessary resources to strengthen our workforce, stimulate economic development, and enhance our education system. One area of severe need is additional investment to increase the stock of affordable housing in the County. I also provided a list of transportation priorities for the upcoming session – high-profile transit projects and support for local transit and pedestrian and bicycle safety programs.

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS

As we prepare to face Thanksgiving traffic returning this year, it is a reminder of the investment also needed in our transportation infrastructure. The long-awaited Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law by the president this week, and the level of transportation investment authorized in this bill is historic, and most of the funding will flow to States. State investment in our transportation network is key to the County remaining the economic driver that it is.

Over the summer, when we were debating with the Governor over the future of the American Legion Bridge, I-495, and I-270, we asked for the State to wait until this bill passed to see what we could get for important infrastructure projects. Instead, the Governor moved forward with a public-private partnership that is overdesigned and overly expensive; today the State released the “approved toll rate ranges” that could be as much as $56 for about 15 miles, and as much as $84 if drivers do not have an E-ZPass. And at the same time, the plan would leave most commuters stuck in traffic. The current plan is a bad deal, a bad design, and the wrong choice for Montgomery County. Now that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is law, I hope that this project can be reconsidered.

CONTINUING OUR COMMITMENT TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE

On the environmental front, I was proud to announce that Montgomery County is building the nation’s largest community solar farm to be 100-percent dedicated to creating energy for low- and moderate-income residents. We are partnering with Neighborhood Sun and Ameresco to transfer a portion of the Oaks Landfill into a solar farm. Over 7.6 million kilowatt-hours of energy will be created by this facility - preventing over 5,000 metric tons of CO2 from being released each year, which is equivalent to taking 1,172 cars off the road for one year and preventing nearly 6 million pounds of from being coal burned. This is an important and significant project. I am encouraging any Montgomery County residents who get their energy from Pepco and qualify as low and income moderate households to sign up for 25 percent savings on their energy bill.

As important as creating and investing in clean energy sources is for our environment, so is our process to dispose of waste. Montgomery County is the first jurisdiction in Maryland and the metropolitan Washington region providing a Food Scraps Recycling Program for the commercial sector. Our Department of Environment provides technical assistance, education, and training to companies on how to separate food scraps for recycling and provides food scraps recycling collection service and processing. This week we announced Westfield Montgomery Mall and Montgomery County Public Schools as the newest partners in our program. They are joining the growing list of partners in this successful program that started in 2020, despite challenges of the pandemic. Since the start of the initiative, 22 businesses and organizations have participated in the program. These are large and small Montgomery County-based businesses and organizations—and even the State and Federal government—taking part in this important food scraps recycling effort. We are looking forward to building this program and recruiting even more partners in 2022.

CREATING AFFORDABLE HOUSING

This week, I attended the grand opening of the National Center for Children and Families (NCCF) new affordable housing facility on Flower Avenue in Takoma Park. Creating and preserving affordable housing is one of our County’s biggest challenges and opportunities for equitable and fair growth. We have more than 20,000 households in Montgomery County who earn up to $32,000 a year and are paying more than half of their income for rent. These severely cost-burdened renters have very little money left for food and other necessities. Further, more than 80 percent of renters with incomes up to $70,000 per year are housing cost burdened. NCCF’s new Takoma Park facility will serve the community of renters who are severely cost burdened. These nine, dedicated, affordable housing units are priced for families earning up to 50 percent of Area Median Income. This facility is an example of what we’re doing all over the County, leveraging available resources and policy tools to maximize affordable housing. We are applying every available policy lever and financial asset to increase the number of dedicated, affordable housing units and maximize reductions in housing costs.

OUR THANKSGIVING PARADE RETURNS

Finally, I hope to see many of you at our annual Thanksgiving Parade in downtown Silver Spring this Saturday. This is the only Thanksgiving Parade in the metro DC area and signals the start of the holiday season. It is wonderful to be able to have the parade back this year. The parade steps off at 10 a.m. from Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street and proceeds south on Georgia Avenue, ending at Silver Spring Avenue. We are encouraging families in attendance to socially distance themselves and wear masks to keep the community, our neighbors, and our young people safe. It is wonderful to have the parade back this year and I hope to see you there.

Thanks, and have a good week.



Marc Elrich
County Executive

County Regresses to ‘Substantial Transmission’ Status of COVID-19, Leading Board of Health to Reinstate Indoor Mask Mandate Starting on Saturday, Nov. 20



Montgomery County returned this week to the status of “substantial transmission” of COVID-19 based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. The increase in cases has led the County Council, acting in its role as the County Board of Health, to again invoke its regulation mandating masks be worn indoors starting at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20.

According to the Board of Health regulation on mask requirements, if the County’s rate of transmission is measured as substantial for seven consecutive days, the indoor mask mandate return is to be implemented.

In early August, the County Council, acting as the Board of Health, voted unanimously to require all residents, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings indoors once the County became an area of “substantial transmission” of COVID-19. See Board of Health regulation 19-975 for more detailed information.

The CDC recommended in July that jurisdictions with substantial or high transmission rates of COVID-19 require masks be worn indoors. The CDC defines substantial transmission as 50-99 cases per 100,000 residents over a period of seven days.

The County’s COVID-19 data dashboard provides the latest metrics and key indicators. The dashboard is updated daily by 2 p.m.

Residents who are not vaccinated can find free vaccination clinics at www.GoVAXMoCo.com. People who feel sick or think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should get tested. Locations of free testing clinics can be found at www.MoCoCOVIDtesting.org.

County Thanksgiving Parade Will Be Held Saturday, Nov. 20, in Downtown Silver Spring


The Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade will usher in the holiday season on Saturday, Nov. 20, in Downtown Silver Spring. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. with the sounds of marching bands, spinners with gold and orange hoops and streamers and Thanksgiving-themed costumes and units. The line of march also will include a 12-foot turkey. Brian van de Graaff, ABC7 meteorologist, will be returning as the parade emcee.

In this year’s parade, the Chanukah celebratory units appear early on because Chanukah comes early this year, just after Thanksgiving. The parade will be filled with gymnasts and tumblers; performing dogs; colorful Mexican, Peruvian and Bolivian dance groups; fire trucks; music; and colorful inflatable characters. It will conclude with Christmas trees, reindeer, presents, elves and Santa. Special performances will include dances from The Nutcracker’s “Waltz of the Flowers” by the Maryland Youth Ballet and Akhmedova Ballet’s choreographed interpretation of ice skating at the Silver Spring Rink.

Families in attendance will be able to socially distance themselves, as the parade route continues for a mile along Ellsworth Drive, along Georgia Avenue and ends at Spring Street. Among the best areas for those seeking more personal space is Georgia Avenue, since Ellsworth Drive can become quite crowded. All attendees are encouraged to wear masks to keep the community safe.

More information about the parade can be found at https://www.silverspringdowntown.com/montgomery-county-thanksgiving-parade. Information also can be obtained by calling MC311 at 3-1-1 (or 240-777-0311 if outside the County) Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

COVID-19 Information Portal Has Statistics on the Virus Including Infections and Vaccinations 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.           

For more information about the positive cases reported in the County by zip codes, visit the COVID-19 data dashboard at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/data/.         

Other breakdowns on the COVID-19 information portal include:                  

Applications Due Friday, Nov. 19, for Funds to Assist County Small Businesses with Sales of Their Products and Services


Montgomery County small businesses must submit applications by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19, to be considered for the new “Online Sales and Telework Grant Program” to help them promote their products and services prior to the holiday shopping season.

Each applicant will receive a pro-rata share of the $789,000 of total funding available. Therefore, the actual grant amounts will be determined by the total number of eligible applicants.


“Small businesses are the foundation of our economy and many count on year-end retail sales to survive,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “We are committed to assisting them in as many ways as possible. This is a great opportunity to help with their holiday and winter marketing. Visit Montgomery has a strong track record helping our restaurants and others through their effective use of technology and promotion.”

Funding for the Online Sales and Telework Grant Program was appropriated to the Maryland Department of Commerce under the American Recovery Act and will be distributed through a partnership between Montgomery County and Visit Montgomery. The program was unanimously approved this week by the County Council.

The grant funds can be used for costs such as developing or improving their websites and social media presence or providing assistance with telework expenses to help support customer activities. Grant recipients will have increased visibility of their products and services through participation in a free centralized online “Discover MoCo” directory site.

To maximize access to Montgomery County’s diverse business and customer base, the Discover MoCo directory will be free for businesses and customers to use, mobile friendly, and multilingual.

The grant application process requires two steps:
Both steps must be completed by midnight on Friday, Nov. 19. In addition, businesses must:
  • Have been established prior to March 9, 2020, and currently be in operation.
  • Be registered and in good standing with Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (not applicable for sole proprietors).
Priority will be given to:
  • Businesses that have not received a COVID-19 Business Relief grant or loan from the Maryland Department of Commerce or a grant from the Maryland Department of Labor for the purchase of equipment to assist in the expansion of opportunities for telework.
  • Businesses that have 20 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
For more information or an Online Sales and Telework Grant application, go to https://montgomerycountymd.gov/Biz-Resources/covid19/index.html.

For questions regarding the grant or application process, email bizportal@montgomerycountymd.gov.

For questions regarding the Discover MoCo directory, email marketing@visitmontgomery.com.


‘Kids Day Out’ Will Be Bigger, Better and Booming with Kid-Friendly Activities on Monday-Wednesday, Nov. 22-24



Montgomery County Recreation is expanding “Kids Day Out” to provide a full day of programming from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24. The special day will be added to half-day programs that were scheduled on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 22 and 23.

The original annual calendar of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) had Nov. 22-23-24 scheduled as early-release days from school, which led to Montgomery County Recreation creating its half-day Kids Day Out programming for those days. Early in November, the Board of Education decided to close schools and offices for the full day on Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving is on Nov. 25). After that action, Montgomery County Recreation expanded its Nov. 24 program to a full day of activities.

Kids Day Out, a partnership with MCPS, provides out-of-school supervised recreation programs. The well-rounded interactive activities emphasize health, physical fitness, imagination and fun.

“One of our priorities is to ensure that all young people have equitable opportunities and access to safe, affordable recreation programs," said MCR Division Chief Adriane Clutter. "Kids Day Out is better because of our strong partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools. We will continue working together to grow and enhance the program."

The two half-day programs were previously scheduled from 1:30-6:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 22, and Tuesday. Nov. 23. The half-day programs are $25 and the full-day program on Nov. 24 is $50. Families from Title I Schools can apply coupon code “MCPSkid” to receive a discounted fee. Discounts are limited while supplies last.

Programs will take place at the following community recreation centers:
Kids Day Out all sports programs will be offered at the Germantown, Jane Lawton, Potomac and Wheaton community recreation centers.

Leonard Jackson Ken Gar Center, located at 4111 Plyers Mill Road in Kensington, will provide therapeutic recreation programs specifically designed for children, ages 5-12 years old with disabilities and teens ages 13-21 with disabilities.

Mid-County Community Recreation Center will also provide programming for middle school students.

Registration is available at ActiveMONTGOMERY and search Kids Day Out. For more information, call 240-777-6840.

Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District Will Be Filled with Holiday Happenings

The Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District will have a season full of holiday events to enjoy this winter.

The holiday season kicks off with the free Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade on Saturday, Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. to noon on Ellsworth Drive and Georgia Avenue. The parade starts with harvest-and Thanksgiving-themed inflatables and units, continues through Hanukkah and finishes with an appearance by Santa Claus. There are reverberating drums of marching bands, trained animals, dance performances and glittering costumes. Attendees are encouraged to wear masks and socially distance.

Upcoming events in Silver Spring include activities from the more than 100 arts and humanities organizations, popular arts venues, attractions and entertainment businesses in the Arts and Entertainment District. Reservations or tickets are required for many of these events.
  • Ceramic Holiday Ornament Making Workshop at Create Arts Center begins on Wednesday, Dec. 1, from 7 to 9 p.m. Join ceramist Shelley Sarrin for a two-day workshop to create beautiful and personalized ceramic ornaments to give as gifts, display for the holidays or to hang year round.
  • Wreath Making Workshop in Downtown Silver Spring on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 1-2 p.m. The Blue Ribbon Floral Flower Truck shows participants how to create custom wreaths to welcome in the holiday season. All supplies will be provided and participants will be able to take their wreath at the end of the event.
  • Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair will occur on Veterans Plaza on Sunday, Dec. 5, from noon to 4 p.m.
  • Maryland Youth Ballet is presenting The Mini-Nut, an abbreviated version of The Nutcracker, at the Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center on Saturday, Dec. 11, and Sunday, Dec. 12, at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The Mini-Nut, a one-hour version with no intermission, is a wonderful introduction to ballet for families with young children.
  • The Akhmedova Ballet Academy is presenting a bold remastering of Nutcracker this holiday season in a special production of “Equal-Rights Night” presented at Montgomery College’s Cultural Arts Center in Silver Spring at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18.
Downtown Silver Spring also has a “Gifting Tower” as an unexpected and anything-but-ordinary holiday display by Design Foundry. The whimsical Gifting Tower, with its precariously stacked packages on a classic camper van, invokes fond memories of the joy and chaos of traveling home for the holidays. Enjoy the Sounds of the Season with holiday concerts by community groups every weekend from Saturday, Nov. 20, to Saturday, Dec. 18. Performances include:
  • Saturday, Nov. 20, 1:30 p.m.: Powerhouse Brass Quintet
  • Saturday, Nov. 27: Noon: Montgomery Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players. 1:30 p.m.: Clarksburg HS Chamber Singers
  • Saturday, Dec. 4. 3 p.m.: Drop the Mic Acapella
  • Saturday, Dec. 11: Noon: Powerhouse Brass Quintet; 3 p.m.: Six Degrees Singers
  • Saturday, Dec. 18: Noon: Montgomery Blair’s InToneNation; 1:30 p.m.: Banneker Middle School Concert Choir; 3 p.m.: Drop the Mic
Other holiday opportunities will include:
  • The Cheer Station by The Eleanor. Cozy cocktails or spiked hot cider from noon to 6 p.m. from Nov. 20-Dec. 18.
  • Lumina Theater will be holding a holiday canned food drive at their performances of Charles Dickens's Oliver Twist at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Silver Spring Black Box Theatre. The food drive will support Tommy's Pantry and the Capital Area Foodbank.
  • The Majestic Theater is showing holiday movie favorite’s Polar Express on Saturday, Nov. 27, Gremlins on Saturday, Dec. 4, Elf on Saturday, Dec. 11, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on Saturday, Dec. 18, and the Metropolitan Opera’s The Magic Flute Holiday Encore on Saturday, Dec. 11.
The Silver Spring Ice Skating Rink is scheduled to open this winter. A date has not yet been set for the opening.

For more information on Silver Spring events, visit the Silver Spring website.