February 24, 2022

Message from the County Executive

Dear Friends:

Winston Churchill famously said, “When you are going through hell, keep going.” These are important words to remember as we continue into our third year of combatting the COVID-19 virus.

Next week marks two years since the beginning of the COVID-19 health crisis in our County. On March 5, 2020, the first three cases of COVID-19 in the State of Maryland were identified in Montgomery County. Since then 1,980 Montgomery County residents have died due to COVID-19, and the vast majority died before vaccines were widely available.

There are few among us who has not been touched by this virus and the tragedy it has inflicted. Reflecting on all those who perished from this virus is a solemn reminder of the seriousness of this virus, as well as our personal responsibility to mitigate future fatalities. We must also remember the thousands of residents who will be impacted by long-term medical conditions, some of which may seriously compromise their health. 

Throughout the next month, we will take time to remember those who have died from COVID-19 and recognize the many residents and organizations who helped save lives over the last two years. While this pandemic is not over, the month-long recognition effort will also be a look back at all we have done over the last two years and thank those who have helped get to where we are now. Each week, we will focus on a different theme.

Next week will be our “Memorial Week” from Feb. 28 to March 6. We will remember the nearly 2,000 residents lost over the last two years to COVID-19 and we are encouraging County residents to share their stories using the hashtag #MoCoRemembers. I hope you can join us for a vigil to honor them. We will gather at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Wheaton.

We will continue to use what we have learned over the last two years in our ongoing response, monitoring the situation daily and continuing to do everything we can to reduce risk, including encouraging vaccinations and getting boosted.

March will be a time of remembrance and reflection of the loss and hardship, as well as a renewal of our resolve to end and recover from this pandemic.
 
Montgomery County Case Numbers Keep Us in the Category of Having ‘Substantial Transmission’ of COVID-19

Although our case rates are dropping, we currently remain in the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention’s defined category of “Substantial Transmission” for the second straight week. Our test positivity rate continues to drop as well as we are about one-third lower than the State’s test positivity rate. Hospitalization and deaths also continue to decrease.

We have made great progress over the past month, but we are still seeing higher rates than last fall. And with the proliferation of rapid take home tests, many active COVID cases are not being reported to either the County or the State like they used to. Take-home rapid tests have been a great help to our residents, but they also make it much harder to figure out how prevalent the virus is in our community.

I encourage all those who test positive on a take-home rapid test to please report positive cases to the website. It is important to the contact tracing process and our efforts to mitigate and contain spread of this virus.

County Indoor Mask Mandate Lifted

The indoor mask mandate in Montgomery County was lifted this week in accordance with the decision by the County Council. Nevertheless, I will generally continue to wear a mask in indoor public spaces because wearing a mask, as well as being fully vaccinated and boosted, are the best ways to reduce the risk of transmitting and getting COVID-19. With substantial transmission, people who are unvaccinated or not boosted should continue wearing masks in order to stay as safe as possible.

It is also important to remember that businesses and other organizations can continue to require customers or visitors to wear a mask in their establishments. The County also is strongly recommending that front-facing staff, who have not received their booster, and visitors in County Government offices and facilities, continue to wear a masks or face coverings in publicly accessible areas. We will continue to monitor the situation, and if there should be another surge, our experience over the last two years has shown us, we know what we need to do to reduce risks to our residents. To read the updated face covering guidelines, go to https://montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/face-coverings.html.

Face Covering Policies in Our Public Schools

The lifting of the indoor mandate from the Board of Health does not change the mask requirements in Montgomery County Public Schools. The Maryland State Department of Education and Montgomery County Board of Education set policies for public schools in the County. This week, the State Board of Education voted 12-2 to allow local school districts to make that decision. On Friday, Feb. 25, the General Assembly's Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review will consider that decision and take the final vote. Additionally, the Montgomery County Board of Education is discussing this issue today.

I believe removing the mask requirement throughout our school buildings at this point would be premature given the transmission rates and the fact that children have the lowest vaccination rates. It would be better if the County was clearly at or below a “moderate rate” of transmission. Even then, masks should be highly encouraged. I do think we will get to a point where masks can be optional, but if we are in substantial transmission—as we are today—we are not there yet.

I think we also need to take into consideration guidance from the CDC. The CDC found that COVID rates dropped in schools that required teachers and staff to wear masks. In 2021, COVID-19 took the lives of 539 children in the U.S., most of which happened in the second half of the year. With so many students still unvaccinated, we should continue to be cautious and consider the health and safety of our children, staff, teachers and administrators in our schools.

We have worked very hard with MCPS to reduce quarantining and I am concerned that by removing the masks prematurely, we could unnecessarily increase the spread and potentially impact learning loss of our students.

Boosters Continue to Make a Difference

Despite our overall high vaccination rates, vaccinations and boosters continue to slow down. Currently only 51.5 percent of eligible County residents have received their booster shots and this number is increasing very slowly.

However, being boosted greatly reduces the rate of hospitalization. Before omicron, unvaccinated people were 15 times more likely to be hospitalized than fully vaccinated people. With the Omicron variant, the biggest difference has been the booster. Unvaccinated people are 23 times more likely to be hospitalized than those with a booster and 5.3 times more likely compared to those who are vaccinated but not boosted. Getting boosted is the best protection we have to reduce severe symptoms and deaths.

More Than 100 Shots, 2,000 Tests and Nearly 3,000 Masks Given Out at Second BOOSTERAMA

I want to thank the County’s Department of Health and Human Services, Salud y Bienestar, Westfield Wheaton and the Maryland Lottery for coordinating our second Boosterama on Feb. 19 at the Wheaton Mall. We boosted about 120 residents, which is only a quarter of the amount that we did during our first Boosterama in December. But we also gave out more than 2,800 masks and 2,000 rapid tests while we were there, which was greatly appreciated by those in attendance.

We are going to continue to engage and find creative ways to increase our County’s booster rates. Messaging vigilance and ways to mitigate COVID is more challenging right now. It has been a hard reality that when cases are declining, people feel more secure and everyone wants to move on. I understand the desire for normalcy, but the virus is still very much with us. We have opened up most activies in the County, but care is still very much needed.

Potential of Truck Convoys in Montgomery County

Protesting truck convoys, similar to the ones that disrupted traffic and commerce in Canada over the past month, maybe heading into Montgomery County. We are currently following multiple protests that could be coming as soon as Friday, Feb. 25. It is not clear from any of their itineraries at what point they will be coming through the County. However, Montgomery County Police and the County Department of Transportation continue to work with the Maryland State Police, the State Highway Administration and the Maryland Department of Transportation about all of these potential protests as more information comes available.

I expect and hope that the organizers of these convoys are working with state highway and law enforcement officials and are being completely transparent in their routes and intentions. We are always committed to protecting the right of free speech and the right to protest, but that should not infringe on the freedoms and public safety of our residents and fellow motorists. Please continue to follow news and updates in case these convoys create any potential gridlock.

‘Just Cause Legislation’ Helps Housing Security

Earlier this week, I testified at the Maryland General Assembly in support of Delegate Jheanelle Wilkin’s Just Cause Eviction legislation. This legislation would authorize local governments to enact legislation that would require good reasons for landlords to terminate leases with tenants.

As I explained in my testimony, this bill simply enables local jurisdictions to enact just cause legislation. Any legislation would be preceded by careful deliberation, but we need the ability to have that discussion and enact appropriate legislation. We know of too many tenants who have had their leases terminated simply because they complained about roach infestations or non-working appliances. Tenants have faced retaliation and retribution for simply lodging complaints about the inadequacy of their housing. Tenants have a right to safe and decent housing, and we have a responsibility to protect that right. I also was pleased that the Maryland Association of Counties agreed to my request to also support this important legislation. Delegate Wilkins, tenant advocates and I have been working for years to pass this legislation. I hope that this is the year that it passes.

You can watch my testimony here.

Black History Month Concludes by Honoring a Trailblazing Hero

Throughout February, we have honored Black history and highlighted our work on equity and inclusion while recognizing and identifying challenges that continue to remain in our society due to systemic racism. On Monday, Feb. 28, we will conclude Black History Month with an important bill signing ceremony that will begin the process to rename the Silver Spring Library for former Tuskegee Airman and Montgomery County resident Brigadier General Charles E. McGee, who passed away last month.

Brigadier General McGee was an American hero who, despite facing prejudice and discrimination his entire life, was committed to serve his country and sacrifice his safety for our freedoms. Brigadier General McGee was honored throughout his life with numerous accolades ranging from the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Flying Cross to being profiled in feature films and flipping the coin at a Super Bowl.

His legacy in Montgomery County will be appropriately remembered and honored at one of our prominent libraries—a building that provides the tools and resources enabling future generations to follow in his footsteps. I want to thank County Councilmember Will Jawando for proposing this bill and I invite you to join us at this important community event at 11 a.m. on Monday at the library.

Women’s ‘Her-Story’ Month Begins with ‘Girl Power’ Contest

The contributions of Montgomery County women to our County, State and nation’s history need to be celebrated. As March is designated as Women’s History Month, we will honor women who have made history, and we must continue to build a culture of empowerment and opportunity for the next generation of female leaders.

The Montgomery County Commission for Women is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022. In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Commission for Women invites residents to participate in its fifth annual “Girl Power” contest. County residents, ages 5 and up, are encouraged to submit a short story, poem, drawing or medium of their choice that addresses the following questions: What do you see as the three biggest accomplishments women have achieved over the last 50 years? What three accomplishments do you believe would make the biggest impact over the next 50 years?

Entries for the 2022 Girl Power Contest should be submitted online at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cfw/.

Entries typically are short stories, poems and drawings, but creativity is encouraged and alternative creative expressive submissions are welcomed. Entries will be judged on creativity and content. Winning entries will be selected in four categories: elementary school, middle school, high school and adult. Submissions will be accepted through midnight on March 31 and are limited to one per person. Written entries should be no more than 500 words. Entries should include full name, age, grade and school (if applicable), telephone number and email address. Winners will be announced in April. All contest winners will be featured in Commission for Women social media and receive a swag bag.

I encourage everyone to enter this contest so they can help highlight the great work done by women and the impact they have in our County. For the last half of century, the Montgomery County Commission on Women has helped women in our County by establishing networks, mentors and resources enabling their success. I am grateful to the Commission for all the work it has done and continues to do to ensure that ‘her-story’ is told in Montgomery County.

As always, my appreciation for all you do.



Marc Elrich
County Executive

February 23, 2022

County Lifts Indoor Mask Requirement



Montgomery County has terminated its mandate requiring masks or face coverings indoors in locations accessible to the public. However, County Executive Marc Elrich still advises that voluntarily wearing a mask indoors remains one of the best defenses against the COVID-19 virus.

The County Council, meeting as the Board of Health on Jan. 25, enacted an updated regulation that terminated the County’s indoor masking guidance in public spaces as of 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 21.

“I continue to appreciate everything our residents and businesses have done and continue to do to keep our residents, employees and visitors safe,” said County Executive Elrich. “That work and support have been essential in reducing our transmission. While masks will no longer be required in indoor public spaces, I will generally continue to wear a mask in indoor public spaces because wearing a mask, as well as being fully vaccinated and boosted, are the best ways to reduce the risk of transmitting and getting COVID-19. We will continue to monitor the situation, and if there should be another surge, based on our experience over the last two years, we know what we need to do to reduce the risk.”

Businesses and other organizations, if they choose, can still continue to require customers or visitors to wear a mask in their establishments. The County is strongly recommending that front-facing staff, who have not received their COVID booster vaccine, and visitors in County Government offices and facilities, continue to wear a mask or face covering in publicly accessible areas.

The lifting of the indoor mandate by the Board of Health does not impact mask requirements in Montgomery County Public Schools. The Maryland State Department of Education and Montgomery County Board of Education set policy for public schools in the County.

"I want to thank all the Montgomery County residents who have been vaccinated, boosted and followed the public health guidance to get us to this stage, so we can suspend the indoor mask mandate," said Council President Gabe Albornoz, who also serves as the chair of the Council's Health and Human Services Committee. "In consultation with our outstanding public health team, we have determined that an indoor mask mandate is not required at this point because Montgomery County's vaccination rates are some of the best in the nation and case rates, hospitalizations, and community transmission rates are low.

"We ask everyone to respect the decisions made by individuals who continue to wear masks and the rules instituted by businesses, health care and service providers and venues located in Montgomery County. The Council will continue to monitor COVID-19 trends and developments with County Executive Elrich and our public health experts, as the pandemic begins to transition into an endemic stage."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommend that individuals who are unvaccinated should continue to wear a mask or face covering when indoors or in crowded areas to minimize the potential spread of the virus.

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

County to Recognize Two Years of COVID-19 Response Efforts Throughout the Month of March


During the month of March, as Montgomery County marks two years of fighting the COVID-19 health crisis, the County will highlight the sacrifices, dedication and efforts of individuals and partners in the community as we continue to move forward.

“Throughout March, we will take time to remember the hundreds of Montgomery County residents who have died from COVID-19 and reflect on the challenges we, as a community, have faced these last two years,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “I want to thank the many individuals and organizations who have worked extremely hard to provide resources and keep Montgomery County residents safe as we have fought this pandemic. Due to the incredible work of our government employees, volunteers, residents and partners, Montgomery County has one of the highest vaccination rates and lowest case rates of large jurisdictions across the country. Most importantly, we are saving lives as our County’s death rate from COVID-19 is nearly one-third lower than the national average. We will continue to use what we have learned over the last two years in our ongoing response, monitoring the situation every day and continuing to do everything we can to reduce risk, including encouraging vaccinations and getting boosted.”

On March 5, 2020, the first three cases of COVID-19 in the State of Maryland were identified in Montgomery County. As the fight against the virus continues, the County will take time to remember those who have died from COVID-19 and recognize the many residents and organizations who helped save lives over the last two years.

Each week, during the remembrance will focus on a different theme, including:
  • Memorial Week (Feb. 28-March 5) – Montgomery County will remember the people lost over the last two years to COVID-19. County residents can share their stories using the hashtag #MoCoRemembers. A candlelight vigil will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, at Marian Fryer Town Plaza, located at 2424 Reedie Drive in Wheaton, to honor those lost.
  • Public Health and Healthcare Week (March 6 -12) – The County will honor the people and organizations that have helped save and protect lives throughout the pandemic.
  • Housing Week (March 13-19) – The County will highlight efforts by numerous people and organizations that helped ensure people had a place to live and were not displaced during the pandemic.
  • Essential Workers Week (March 20-26) – The County will honor the people who provided important services and support throughout the pandemic.
  • Food Security Providers Week (March 27-April 2) – The County will highlight individuals and organizations that have provided basic necessities and other resources to people and families in need throughout the pandemic.
For more information visit montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19-memorial.

Metro’s Oldest SmartTrip Cards Will Not Be Accepted at Faregates Starting Tuesday, March 1


Public transit riders who use Metro should know that the oldest Metro SmarTrip cards will no longer be accepted at faregates and fareboxes as of Tuesday, March 1. Those currently riding Metro or who plan to soon will need to replace their cards to travel on Metrorail or Metrobus after the deadline.

SmarTrip cards purchased before 2012 are no longer compatible with new, faster, modern faregates already installed in many stations. In an announcement more than 10 months ago, Metro advised customers that the old cards would need to be replaced as stations are equipped with new faregates.

While the ability to use the old farecards will be phased out on March 1, there will still be time to trade in the cards after the deadline. Any remaining balance on the old cards will not be lost and can be transferred to a new card at any time. Metro will continue to offer free replacement cards through the mail, by phone or online for a limited time.

Anyone who has recently used Metro can get a free replacement card within a few days via phone at 1-888-SMARTRIP (1-888-762-7874) or online. Customers also have the option of purchasing a new SmarTrip card at fare vending machines, retail locations or by using mobile pay on Apple iOS and Android. The balance can then be transferred to the new card using at the customer’s registered SmarTrip account.

SmartBenefits customers and Senior SmarTrip card holders may also use the online process to replace their old cards.

View Metro’s Card Replacement page for step-by-step instructions on how to get a replacement card and transfer the balance. SmarTrip cards purchased before 2012 can be identified by the serial number on the back. All newer cards start with “0167” and no further action is needed. SmarTrip cards that start with any other serial number need to be replaced.

Public Libraries to Expand Hours with Branches Open on Sundays Starting Feb. 27



Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will expand hours of branch service to include Sundays effective Feb. 27. The hours of operation had been reduced during the COVID-19 health crisis.

The expanded Sunday hours of operation at all MCPL branches, except for the Maggie Nightingale (Poolesville) and Noyes Library for Young Children libraries, will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The hours and schedule for Maggie Nightingale (currently closed for refresh) and Noyes libraries will remain as they currently stand.

“I am pleased to announce the continued expansion of hours to beyond pre-pandemic levels,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Our library system and employees have been an invaluable asset to our COVID response and recovery efforts over the last two years. They have successfully adjusted their operations, schedules, and how they serve the community. Most recently, their efforts to help us distribute take home rapid tests and N95 masks was a demonstration of their effectiveness and dedication to our residents. I also want to thank our patrons and supporters of our libraries for their patience as we worked to ensure that these facilities are COVID-19 safe and accessible for both visitors and employees.”

Improved conditions regarding COVID-19 have led to the new operating hours.

“We are pleased to be able to resume Sunday service hours,” said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo. “It is important that all residents have equal access to the resources and services provided by Public Libraries.”

For more information on MCPL services, please visit https://montgomerycountymd.gov/library/.

Recreation to Host Summer Camp Fairs on Saturday, Feb. 26, and Sunday, March 13



Montgomery County Recreation will host two free summer camp fairs to help families plan for their children’s summer activities. The Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center located at 13850 Travilah Road in Rockville will host a fair from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 26.

On Sunday, March 13, from noon to 3 p.m., the second camp fair will take place at the White Oak Community Recreation Center located at 1700 April Lane in Silver Spring.

Registration for summer camp programs is now open. To view the summer camps guide, visit Montgomery County Summer Camp Guide.

Montgomery County Recreation provides hundreds of healthy summer camp programs at locations throughout the County. Parents are encouraged to plan early for the summer months as many camps fill up quickly.

Each summer camp fair will have fun activities for the whole family. Montgomery County Recreation’s mascot, "T-Rec," will be available for meet-and-greet sessions and to entertain children.

Families can meet with recreation staff members and talk with instructors to ask questions, learn more about the multiple offerings, participate in hands-on activities and register children for camp. Information on the financial aid will also be available.

Requests for Field Permits for Spring and Summer Open Online starting Tuesday, March 1


Online requests for permits to reserve County athletic facilities for spring and summer can be made through the website of the County’s Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) starting Tuesday, March 1. The facilities will be available from March 15 through Aug. 15 for this permitting cycle.

The system for community groups to reserve fields this year reflects a change from CUPF’s policies in past years.

More information on reserving fields is available at https://cupfmontgomerycountymd.blogspot.com/2022/02/springsummer-2022-field-use-change.html.

Questions about the process can be directed to CUPF at 240-777-2725.

Free Black History Month Programs to be Offered Virtually Throughout February  


Montgomery County Public Libraries will host free programs in observance of Black History Month throughout February. All programs will be offered virtually.   

An internet connection and a device (such as a smartphone, tablet or computer) are required for participation.  

Attendees will need to be logged in to Zoom to attend all virtual programs. A free account can be created on the Zoom website at https://zoom.us/signin.  

The schedule of programs includes:  

Montgomery Parks to Host ‘Acoustics and Ales’ Winter Happy Hour Series Featuring Evenings of Live Music, Locally Crafted Beer and Food 


Montgomery Parks will turn several of its parks into evenings of music, beer and food that will be suitable for all family members (excluding the beer part). There is no charge for admission for the “Acoustics and Ales” winter happy hour events, which will include an event in Arora Hills Local Park on Friday, Feb. 25, but there are charges for beer, food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Advance registration is not required. Parking availability may vary based on location. Parks are accessible by public transportation.  

Due to County guidelines, alcohol sales will end at 7 p.m. at every event. Dogs are welcome at each event, but must be kept on leashes and picked up after. 

Additional information about the series is available at https://montgomeryparks.org/event-team/acoustics-ales/. 

The schedule for Acoustic and Ales: 

‘A Double Take on Lynching: Two Compelling Voices’ to be Presented Virtually on Thursday, March 3



“A Double Take on Lynching: Two Compelling Voices,” a free illustrated lecture and poetry program detailing the history of lynchings—including three in Montgomery County—will be presented virtually from 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 3. Historian Susan Strasser and poet Marcia Cole will be featured in the program on the Jim Crow system of segregated facilities and state-sanctioned repression that was held in place by terror, including thousands of lynchings.

The program is sponsored by the Montgomery County Lynching Memorial Project and the Montgomery County Remembrance and Reconciliation Commission.

To register to view the presentation, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-double-take-on-lynching-two-compelling-voices-tickets-253712901117. The Zoom link will be sent to those who register starting March 2.

Ms. Strasser is an award-winning historian and a distinguished lecturer for the Organization of American Historians. She is Richards Professor Emerita of American History at the University of Delaware. Her presentation will include about 60 images that show stark evidence of the history of lynchings and serve as a memorial to those who were murdered and tortured.

Ms. Cole is the author of A Bitter Suite, a series of poems on lynching written from a very personal perspective in response to a sobering picture seen in her college history textbook. These poems and others can be found in her recently published poetry collection Light in Dark Places: History in Verse. Her second collection is Behold a Ball of Light: History in Verse.

The Montgomery County Lynching Memorial Project (MoCoLMP), a grassroots organization formed in 2017, is a designated Community Remembrance Project of the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Ala.

The Montgomery project has organized soil collection ceremonies at the three known sites of lynchings in Montgomery County. Its mission includes educating the community about the history of lynching and racial terrorism in Montgomery County.

The project is now seeking to obtain historical markers at each lynching site, as well as to procure a County monument memorializing the lynchings of George Peck (Jan. 12, 1880), John Diggs-Dorsey (July 27, 1880) and Sidney Randolph (July 4, 1896).

In its efforts, MoCoLMP collaborates with the County Commission on Remembrance and Reconciliation, which was established by the County Council in 2019 to support the goal of bringing the County together to promote a better understanding of its history.

‘Big, Bold and Beautiful’ Exhibit Now on Display at Activity Center at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg


“Big, Bold and Beautiful IV,” a free exhibit featuring large two-dimensional works of art, is now on display at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg. The exhibit will be viewable through April 10.

The City of Gaithersburg’s Bohrer Park is located at 506 South Frederick Ave. in Gaithersburg. Viewing hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays. All visitors over the age of 2 must wear masks. Social distancing is encouraged.

With its expansive entrance and hallway, Bohrer Park’s Activity Center provides the ideal location for an exhibit featuring large-scale artwork, allowing patrons to enjoy the pieces as they are meant to be seen in a sizable space. This year’s exhibit features a wide variety of subjects, including florals, landscapes and abstracts.

Mediums include acrylics, oils and photography. With curation assistance from Mary Weiss-Waldhorn, the exhibit is comprised of work selected from the annual call to artists as well as by invitation. Artists exhibiting include Donna Baron, Michael Brown, Craig Cavin, Stephen Dell’Aria, Hiral Joshi, Kristin Morrison, Orlando Morales, Raya Salman, Carol Starr and Sunil Sukla.

Most of the artwork in the exhibit is for sale and all images are copyrighted by the artists.

For more information about the exhibit, visit the Activity Center at Bohrer Park gallery webpage.

Senior Planet Montgomery Free Online Classes for Seniors Feb. 28-March 4 will include ‘P2P Payment Services’ and ‘Online Shopping’


Senior Planet Montgomery, a technology training program designed for County learners 50 and older, is offering free online classes that focus on how to thrive at home. Classes, which are offered live via video conference, enhance a wide variety of life skills. Classes for Seniors Feb. 28– March 4 will include “P2P Payment Services” and “Online Shopping.”

In addition to classes in English, two classes will be taught in Spanish, and one class will be taught in Mandarin. A variety of exercise classes also will be offered.

During the summer and fall program quarters, more than 3,000 participants joined 162 virtual programs hosted by Senior Planet Montgomery. This winter, classes will cover how to use and host on Zoom, online basics, popular social media sites, lowering one’s utility bill, financial security, and civic engagement.

The program is supported by the County’s Department of Technology Services’ ultraMontgomery program in partnership with nonprofit OATS (Older Adults Technology Services). The County’s Department of Recreation and Montgomery County Public Libraries also are partners in helping provide the classes at no charge to participants.

Sessions concentrate on user-friendly tools and resources and are designed to enable older adults to learn to utilize technologies to improve their daily lives. Senior Planet Montgomery utilizes curricula created by OATS, which also provides training staff and works with numerous County departments to identify topics of interest for Montgomery residents. OATS sponsors similar Senior Planet programming in six states. The County’s Department of Environmental Protection contributes to the program’s course offerings by producing sessions on how to lower energy costs.

Classes change on a weekly basis. A home internet connection and a device (such as a smartphone, tablet or computer) are all that is required to participate.

Classes to be offered week of Feb. 28–March 4 will include:
  • How to Choose a New Computer: Monday, Feb 28, 3-4 p.m. This informational session addresses some of the most common questions surrounding how to choose a new computer.
  • P2P Payment Services: Tuesday, March 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Learn about some of the most popular P2P payment services, including PayPal, Venmo and Cash App.
  • Online Shopping: Thursday, March 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Lecture will provide a general introduction to shopping online for everything from dish soap to groceries using the popular website Amazon.com.
  • Lighting and Smartbulbs: Friday, March 4, noon-1 p.m. Lecture reviews common lighting terminology like watts and lumens and explains the differences between the many types of bulbs currently on the market
Class in Mandarin:
  • Protecting Your Information Online 3/2, 12 - 1 p.m. 本次講座將涵蓋如何在網路上保護個人信息的詳細說明。我們將介紹在電子世界中保持安全的技巧,例如安全瀏覽、識別網路詐騙以及何時可以(或不可以)在線上分享您的個人信息。
English Translation for Class in Mandarin:
  • Protecting Your Personal Information Online: Wednesday, March 2, noon-1 p.m. This presentation will cover the ins and outs of how to protect your personal information online. It will cover tips for staying safe in cyberspace, like creating strong passwords, managing spam, how to recognize email and text scams, and when it is OK — or not — to share personal information online.
For more information about Senior Planet Montgomery and to view its virtual program offerings, visit https://seniorplanet.org/Montgomery. The team can be contacted at 240-753-0676 or via email at mocoinfo@seniorplanet.org.

To sign up for the Senior Planet Montgomery newsletter, which includes detailed information about upcoming classes, go to https://seniorplanet.org/get-involved/newsletters/.

February 17, 2022

Message from the County Executive

 
 
Dear Friends,

One of the most amazing days of my life occurred when I was 13 years old and attended the March on Washington in 1963. I was one of 250,000 people on the Mall that hot day in August. At that time, I knew I was a part of something special, but I did not realize that I was at one of the most important events of the 20th Century. For most people, the March on Washington is something seen in black and white from film and television footage. I am very fortunate that my memories of that day are in color and are as vivid as they were nearly 60 years ago.

On Friday, Feb. 18, at 7:30 p.m., at Strathmore, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Committee will host “Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things for the Fight for Freedom.” It will be a Black History Month tribute honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and heroes of the Civil Rights movement. This is an appropriate theme for this year’s MLK Tribute because it reminds us that civil rights progress did not occur because of one person—it was not divine intervention. Change happened because of countless ordinary people doing extraordinary acts.

For every Martin Luther King, Medgar Evers, John Lewis or Rosa Parks, there are hundreds of thousands of other nameless individuals who added their voice, talents and even their lives to the cause. From the Freedom Riders who faced threats to their personal safety to the lawyers who argued time and time again before courts controlled by Jim Crow to the churches and college campuses who could no longer look the other way to injustice, this movement was more than just a single man.

Dr. King said: “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.”

And as we look back and recognize all the ordinary people doing extraordinary things, we must not forget that this fight is not over.

There are political forces today that are suppressing votes, white-washing history out of our children’s textbooks and supporting white nationalist movements. Although progress has been made, racism has been resurrected in a horrible and deadly form, so we must continue to fight against it. But I remain optimistic because I see a better future. I look at my African American grandchildren and their generation and their willingness to fight for a better future, so I have hope.

This event is free, and I encourage you to join us. Those in attendance will learn how our nation’s most-celebrated superstars put their careers and lives on the line to fight for freedom and justice for all. They will discover local civil rights participants who made significant contributions to the fight for justice in Montgomery County.

COVID-19 Rates Continue to Drop, Indoor Mask Mandate to End

Montgomery County’s COVID-19 case rates this week fell below 100 per 100,000 for the first time since Dec. 15. We are now in “substantial transmission” as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after being in “high transmission” for nearly two months. Our test positivity rate also continues to drop. We have seen an eight-fold decrease since the peak of this surge just over a month ago. There are currently 122 hospitalized COVID patients, which is nearly an 80 percent reduction since our peak.

On Monday, Feb. 21, Montgomery County’s indoor mask mandate will end. County Council President Gabe Albornoz has said that proof of vaccination legislation will not be voted on at this time. As I have stated since last summer, I believe proof of vaccination could be an important tool—especially during surges like the one we seem to be coming out of. That is why, in December, I asked the Council to implement it as Omicron was surging. I do hope that, if or when another surge happens, we are all willing to consider these kinds of measures to protect the health of our residents.

‘Boosterama’ at Westfield Wheaton on Saturday, Feb. 19

Although 85 percent of Montgomery County is “fully vaccinated,” according to the CDC, only 51 percent of our County is boosted. When broken down by age cohorts, only 37 percent of those ages 12-17, 54 percent of those 18-64 and 75 percent of those 65-and-over have received their additional booster shot. We must do better. The efficacy of your original vaccine shots wane after five months, and a booster is needed to restore the level of protection that the original shots gave you. The most important thing to remember is that people who have been boosted and get COVID (yes, it is true boosters are not 100 percent effective against covid) are far less likely to get severe COVID and far, far less likely to die. The greatest protection it offers is against the most dire outcomes so do not put yourself at risk.
To increase our booster numbers, we are hosting our second “Boosterama” event at Westfield Wheaton from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19. The event will be located outside the Dick’s Sporting Goods store and also will be distributing free rapid tests and face masks. Several mall gift cards will be raffled for those who get boosted. We will also have representatives of the Maryland Lottery with us to give out free prizes and promote its VAXCASH 2.0 lottery.

We had great success with our last Boosterama in December and I am hoping this one will go as well. I want to thank Westfield Wheaton and our partners at Salud Y Bienestar for their continued efforts and support.

Implementing Equity in Everything We Do

As we focus on our continued response to and recovery from COVID, we cannot ignore the inequities due to our nation’s tragic history of systemic racism. It was serendipitous that just before the pandemic began two years ago this month, Tiffany Ward was confirmed as our County’s first Chief Equity Officer. Over the last two years, Tiffany has done an incredible job establishing our Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice to ensure that this government will be making policy and budget decisions through an equity lens.

One such area that is the focus of a lot of community debate is the General Plan for the County known as “Thrive 2050.” For more than a year, I have been raising concerns about the process, content and transparency surrounding Thrive, and recently, the Council’s Office of Legislative Oversight (OLO) has raised concern about Thrive’s lack of focus and attention to equity.

This plan’s lack of effort to substantively address a severe shortage of affordable housing is confounding. Projections show the shortage will be amplified by both a projected loss of existing affordable units AND an increase in new residents whose incomes will require even more affordable units. Thrive does not address these major issues. Instead, it focuses on the "trickle-down" premise that more market-rate housing will somehow solve the problem. OLO recognized the lack of deep community engagement with communities of color and low-income people. Any plan without the input of the communities of color cannot be equitable.
 
Thrive also fails to acknowledge the link between homeownership and the current racial wealth gap. Wealth accumulated through home equity is often used to further education and business opportunities and because White residents have higher ownership rates, they have opportunities not available to many people of color, particularly Black residents who have not had equal access to homeownership in our community. Homeownership and home values have huge implications for economic and workforce success, and the Thrive plan fails to make that connection.

We agree with OLO’s assessment that the Thrive plan should be specific about the current inequities. The plan should pinpoint disaggregated data and identify the disparities that must be addressed in this new plan. The plan should pinpoint disaggregated data and identify the disparities that must be addressed in this new plan.​ Montgomery has lost more than 30,000 affordable units in the first decades of this century. There are now almost 50,000 housholds paying more than half of their income to put a roof over their heads. These are households whose incomes are between $30,000 and $50,000. Thrive doesn't truly acknowledge this reality, let alone provide solutions to it. The naive notion that simply building more housing will magically depress the price of existing housing and make it affordable to these income groups is simply not based on reality.

Walking for Vision Zero

Last weekend, I was pleased to join Council President Albornoz, Congressman Jamie Raskin and other elected officials and community advocates in Wheaton for a Vision Zero Walk that was organized by Council Vice President Evan Glass. This somber event re-focused attention on our efforts to reduce and eliminate pedestrian and cyclist deaths on our roadways.


We are only a few weeks into the new year, and we have already had three fatalities: two pedestrians and one cyclist. Last year, we had a total of seven fatalities, down 16 from 2020. However, one fatality is one too many and we are implementing as many strategies as possible to prevent future fatalities.

My recommended Capital budget that is now before the Council for review includes $433 million to support the County’s Vision Zero efforts. Getting to zero fatalities will not be easy, but we will continue to address this issue.

Supporting State Legislative Efforts

For the first time since the COVID health crisis began, I returned to Annapolis this week to testify in person on four important bills before the Maryland General Assembly. In my testimony, I expressed strong support for the Climate Solutions Now Act, which is critical to implementing our County Climate Action Plan and our goal to reduce 100 percent of greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. I also testified in support of a bill to help expand our Maker economy. Many places, like Baltimore, provide maker spaces where people are able to develop skills and create products that help them to be self sufficient. And I was pleased to testify on two bills sponsored by Senator Susan Lee: One addresses American History Content and its lack of a multicultural perspective. I also testified on Senator Lee's bill, which is also being championed by Attorney General Brian Frosh, and would ban the sale of dangerous ghost guns. Ghost guns are guns that lack idenitfying serial numbers and may also be made of non-metallic materials that allow them to avoid detection by metal detectors. These gun kits are available for sale online and don't require the buyer to be licensed or to register the gun.
Additionally, I attended a press conference at the New Carrollton Metro and MARC station in support of the Maryland Regional Rail Transformation Act and the Equitable and Inclusive Transit-Oriented Development Enhancement Act. I want to thank State Delegate Jared Solomon for his work on these important bills, which are critical to our economic development progress, as well as our efforts to combat climate change.

As the Maryland General Assembly begins its second of three months of legislative deliberations, I appreciate the hard work of our State House and Senate delegations. I look forward to continuing my support for their efforts to pass meaningful reforms, oversights and investments in Montgomery County and throughout the State.

Sunday Hours Return to County Libraries

I am pleased to announce the continued expansion of library hours. Our library system and employees have been an invaluable asset to our COVID response and recovery efforts over the last two years. They have successfully adjusted their operations, schedules and how they serve the community. Most recently, their efforts to help distribute take-home rapid tests and N95 masks were a demonstration of their effectiveness and dedication. I also want to thank the patrons and supporters of our libraries for their patience as we worked to ensure that these facilities are COVID-19 safe and accessible for visitors and employees.

The Sunday hours of operation starting Feb. 27 at all MCPL branches, except the Maggie Nightingale (Poolesville) and Noyes Library for Young Children, will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The hours and schedule for the Maggie Nightingale (currently closed for refresh) and Noyes libraries will remain as they currently stand. For more information on MCPL services, visit https://montgomerycountymd.gov/library/.

Our Officers Are Always On-Duty

I want to express my appreciation to Montgomery County Police Officer Rich Reynolds who helped contain an unruly passenger on a flight from Los Angeles to Reagan National Airport this week. This could have been a tragic incident if it was not for the quick work of Officer Reynolds and some other passengers.

The incident is a reminder that our officers are always on-duty and are expected to intervene for the safety of others every day—no matter where they are. ​We appreciate their willingness to step up when they are needed.

50 Years of Doing Business in Montgomery County

I was happy to visit Minkoff in Germantown to celebrate its 50th anniversary of doing business in Montgomery County. Minkoff is a family-owned real estate firm that offers services spanning development, construction, management and leasing. This company is now being led by the third generation of family members and owns 42 properties. It manages three million square feet of flex, lab, office, retail and light industrial space throughout our region. We are very proud that the Minkoff firm has called Montgomery County home for the last half century. We wish it a happy anniversary and look forward to the next 50 years of their success.

As always, my appreciation for all you do.



Marc Elrich
County Executive


February 16, 2022

County Holiday Schedule for Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 21



The Montgomery County Government will observe the following schedule changes for Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 21:
  • County offices—Closed.
  • State offices and courts—Closed.
  • State Motor Vehicle Administration offices and Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program stations—Closed.
  • Libraries—Closed.
  • COVID-19 test kit and mask distributions at libraries—No distributions on Feb. 21.
  • Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS)—Stores open noon-6 p.m.
  • Ride On—Will operate on new schedules that went into effect on Jan. 16. Those schedules can be viewed at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-Transit/january-16-2022-schedules.html.
  • 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/marc-train-presidents-day.
  • TRiPS Silver Spring commuter store—Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store—Closed.
  • Metrobus—Will operate on a Saturday supplemental schedule.
  • Metrorail—Will run regularly scheduled weekday service.
  • MetroAccess customers—Can make a reservation to travel on the holiday, but subscription trips will be canceled.
  • Parking at public garages, lots, curbside meters—Free.
  • County-collected trash and recycling—No collections will be made on Feb. 21. Collections will slide one day each week from the regular schedules. More information is available at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/sws/holidays/.
  • Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station will be open for trash and recycling drop-offs. The Recycling Center will be closed. No tours will be scheduled.
  • Recreation—Aquatics facilities will be open and all aquatics programs will meet as scheduled. All senior centers and community recreation centers will be closed. All other classes and programs will not be held.
Montgomery Parks—Visit www.MontgomeryParks.org for complete information.

The Open Parkways Initiative will be extended during the holiday weekend. More information is available at Open Parkways initiative. 

Open Parkways Schedule  
  • Portions of Sligo Creek Parkway and Beach Drive will be open to pedestrians and bicyclists for exercise and recreation atarting at 9 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 18, and continuing through 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22.
    • 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. Saturday, Feb. 19, through 7 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22. Little Falls Parkway from River Road to Arlington Road (1 mile). 
The following facilities will be open, including on Monday, Feb. 21:
The following facilities will be closed on Monday, Feb. 21: 
  • Montgomery Parks’ headquarters, customer service and permit offices.  
  • Black Hill Visitor Center—The Visitor Center building is open 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Outdoor park areas and trails are open from dawn to dusk daily.
  • Brookside Gardens—Visitor center and conservatory closed on Monday. Gardens open from dawn to dusk daily.  
  • Brookside Nature Center—Temporarily closed to walk-in visitors for renovations. However, programs will continue throughout the renovation process. Outdoor park areas and trails are open from dawn to dusk daily.
  • Maydale Nature Classroom—Open when programs and events are scheduled. Outdoor park areas and trails are open from dawn to dusk daily.
  • Meadowside Nature Center—Temporarily closed to walk-in visitors for renovations. Outdoor park areas and trails are open from dawn to dusk daily.
  • Locust Grove Nature Center—The nature center building and the nature exploration area is open 1-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Outdoor park areas and trails are open from dawn to dusk daily.

County to Honor Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Heroes of the Civil Rights Movement with Free Event at Strathmore on Friday, Feb. 18


Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Committee on Friday, Feb. 18, will host a tribute honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and heroes of the Civil Rights movement during Black History Month. “Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things for the Fight for Freedom” will be a free event starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda.

Strathmore is located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda. It is accessible by the Metro Red Line.

The County’s annual in-person event to honor Dr. King was originally planned for January, but was postponed due to the increased spread of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.

“Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things for the Fight for Freedom” will highlight the lives of celebrities and everyday people who supported Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement. The event will address how the nation’s most celebrated superstars put their careers and lives on the line to fight for freedom and justice for all. It also will feature local civil rights participants who made significant contributions to the fight for justice.

The event will include musical performances and reenactments of celebrities such as Harry Belafonte, Joan Baez, Mahalia Jackson, Nina Simone and more.

Montgomery County Public Schools students were given the opportunity to submit a poem or song written with an understanding and appreciation of the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Three winners have been chosen and will perform their submissions at the event. 

For more information, visit the Strathmore website or the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights website.

Public Libraries to Expand Hours with Branches Open on Sundays Starting Feb. 27


Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will expand hours of branch service to include Sundays effective Feb. 27. The hours of operation had been reduced during the COVID-19 health crisis.

The expanded Sunday hours of operation at all MCPL branches, except for the Maggie Nightingale (Poolesville) and Noyes Library for Young Children libraries, will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The hours and schedule for the Maggie Nightingale (currently closed for refresh) and Noyes libraries will remain as they currently stand.

“I am pleased to announce the continued expansion of hours to beyond pre-pandemic levels,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Our library system and employees have been an invaluable asset to our COVID response and recovery efforts over the last two years. They have successfully adjusted their operations, schedules, and how they serve the community. Most recently, their efforts to help us distribute take home rapid tests and N95 masks was a demonstration of their effectiveness and dedication to our residents. I also want to thank our patrons and supporters of our libraries for their patience as we worked to ensure that these facilities are COVID-19 safe and accessible for both visitors and employees.”

Improved conditions regarding COVID-19 have led to the new operating hours.

“We are pleased to be able to resume Sunday service hours,” said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo. “It is important that all residents have equal access to the resources and services provided by Public Libraries.”

For more information on MCPL services, please visit https://montgomerycountymd.gov/library/.

Montgomery Recreation and Montgomery Parks Open Summer Camp Registrations on Tuesday, Feb. 22


There may be a few more weeks of winter weather, but Montgomery County Recreation and Montgomery Parks are hard at work planning spring programs and summer camps. Registration for their summer camps will open Tuesday, Feb. 22. In addition, Montgomery Recreation will hold two free camp fairs to help families plan summer activities on Saturday, Feb. 26, and Sunday, March 13.

Registrations for the Montgomery Recreation and Montgomery Parks spring programs are now open.

The Montgomery Recreation Spring and Summer Camp Guide has been combined and can be viewed on the website.  

Information on registration for Montgomery Park's summer programs and camps is available at https://montgomeryparks.org/classes-camps/.

The schedule for the Montgomery Recreation free summer camp fairs:
Each summer camp fair will have fun activities for the whole family. Montgomery Recreation’s mascot, “T-Rec,” will be available for meet-and-greet sessions and to entertain children.

At the fairs, families can meet with recreation staff members and talk with instructors to learn more about the multiple offerings, participate in hands-on activities and register children for camp. Information on financial aid also will be available.

Free Black History Month Programs to be Offered Virtually Throughout February 

Montgomery County Public Libraries will host free programs in observance of Black History Month throughout February. All programs will be offered virtually.  

An internet connection and a device (such as a smartphone, tablet or computer) are required for participation. 

Attendees will need to be logged in to Zoom to attend all virtual program. A free account can be created on the Zoom website at https://zoom.us/signin. 

The schedule of programs includes: