Free COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits Are Available to County Residents at Libraries

Free COVID-19 home rapid test kits are available for Montgomery County residents at County libraries. Residents can get two kits per person per day. Each kit contains two tests.

To get kits, residents must bring a form of proof of residency. Examples include a driver’s license, ID or a bill that shows you are a resident of Montgomery County.

There is a limited supply of kits per site.

Test kits are available from other sources:

• Order free rapid tests for at-home delivery from the U.S. government.
• Request rapid test kits for your organization or private school from Montgomery County.

Test kit pickup schedules at County libraries vary. Kits are available each day at each site while supplies last. The schedules are:

Monday to Saturday, starting at noon until daily kit amount is distributed:

• Aspen Hill Library 4407 Aspen Hill Rd. Rockville, MD 20853
• Chevy Chase Library 8005 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
• Damascus Library 9701 Main Street, Damascus, MD 20872
• Davis Library 6400 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20817
• Gaithersburg Library 18330 Montgomery Village Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20879
• Little Falls Library 5501 Massachusetts Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20816
• Potomac Library 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, MD 20854
• Silver Spring Library 900 Wayne Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910
• White Oak Library 11701 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20904

Monday to Thursday, starting at 5 p.m., and Friday/Saturday, starting at 3 p.m., until daily kit amount is distributed

• Connie Morella Library 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, MD 20814
• Germantown Library 19840 Century Boulevard, Germantown, MD 20874
• Kensington Park Library 4201 Knowles Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
• Long Branch Library 8800 Garland Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20901
• Marilyn J. Praisner Library 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, MD 20866
• Olney Library 3500 Olney-Laytonsville Road, Olney, MD 20832
• Quince Orchard Library 15831 Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
• Rockville Memorial Library 21 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850
• Twinbrook Library 202 Meadow Hall Drive,Rockville, MD 20851
• Wheaton Library 11701 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902

County Launches Online Form for Community Organizations to Request COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits

To ensure equitable distribution of COVID-19 rapid test kits, Montgomery County is distributing kits to community organizations to redistribute to vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations across the County.

Organizations that serve residents unable to visit a COVID-19 testing site or pick up a testing kit through the public distribution happening through Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL)—including residents who are homebound, residents with mobility issues, the underserved, and others—can fill out a form online to request kits. The form is intended to be filled out only by organizations that have the capacity and the means to pick up and redistribute kits to the target populations. The supplies are limited.

This form is not intended for individuals to make personal requests. For individual test kits, go to one of the MCPL distribution sites. Appointments to get tested can be made at one of the County’s test sites or by contacting your health care provider.

County Executive Elrich Releases $5 Billion Recommended FY 23 Capital Budget and FY23-28 Capital Improvement Program

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich this week transmitted his $5.05 billion recommended Fiscal Year 2023 Capital Budget and FY23-28 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to the County Council. The County Executive’s funding recommendations address major capital needs over the next six years.

This is County Executive Elrich’s second full CIP and is an increase of $740 million (17.2 percent) over the prior approved FY2021-26 CIP budget. The County Council will examine the recommended budgets over the next four months and approve the County CIP in late May.

“As I release my second full CIP, I am proud of my administration’s achievements which now allow us to leverage more State Aid for school construction, to address climate change, and to promote economic development through substantial transportation investments,” said County Executive Elrich. “With increased investments in our schools, affordable housing, early care centers for our youngest children, facilities to address barriers to residents’ well-being, and maintenance of core infrastructure, this CIP strengthens the resiliency of County government, our local economy, and the residents we serve. Central to these efforts is our partnership with the County Council to advance racial equity, social justice, and climate change in the County.”

Highlights of the recommended CIP include:

• Total capital investments exceed $5 billion over the six-year period—$740 million over the prior CIP.
• $1.8 billion for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) capital projects over the six-year period
• $55 million more than was requested by the Board of Education.
• Record amount of funding for schools if approved.
• $327.1 million for Montgomery College projects.
• 1 percent increase over the prior budget.
• Initial funding for new Montgomery College East County campus.
• $408.4 million for Bus Rapid Transit
• $394 million for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects along MD355 and Veirs Mill Road.
• Construction of BRT Route along MD355 from Rockville to Germantown to extend fast, high-capacity transit for communities not served by Metrorail, with additional funding for designing the remaining portions (Rockville to Bethesda and Germantown to Clarksburg).
• $146.3 million for affordable housing projects
• $132 million for affordable housing acquisition and preservation investments over the next six years—$22 million each year.
• In conjunction with a $14.8 million supplemental—$36 million will be available over the next 18 months to support affordable housing projects.
• $20 million for the Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund—a $6 million increase.
• $8.2 million to support Housing Opportunities Commission projects.
• A new Affordable Living Quarters project to provide permanent, affordable housing to very low-income households.
• White Oak and White Flint Redevelopment public-private partnerships.

To see the complete recommended FY23 Capital Budget and amended FY23-28 Capital Improvements Program, click this link: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/omb/publications.html.

County Launches Region’s First Electric Vehicle Purchasing Cooperative Pilot Program and County Executive Elrich Issues Challenge for Residents to Buy EVs

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich issued a challenge to County residents and businesses this week to “Lead the EV Charge” by pledging to buy electric vehicles as the County launched the Washington Region’s first Electric Vehicle (EV) Purchasing Cooperative pilot program. The initiative is designed to accelerate the adoption of EVs by the public in an effort to reach the County’s Climate Action Plan goal of an 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2027 and a 100 percent reduction by 2035.

“If we are to achieve our Climate Action Plan goal of zero emissions by 2035, we will need to completely transition our transportation system away from fossil fuels, and we need to start right away,” County Executive Elrich said. “Community members and businesses who take the pledge to make their next vehicle electric will help demonstrate consumer demand for electric vehicles in Montgomery County. We are working to get more people into electric vehicles by making the purchasing process easier. Electric vehicles have lower emissions and operating costs and the program will make them more accessible. It’s going to take all of us doing our part to realize a cleaner future for our community.” 

The pilot phase of the program is scheduled to run from January through May 2022. As a centerpiece of the pilot, County Executive Elrich is challenging residents and businesses to sign an online pledge stating that their next vehicle purchase will be a new or pre-owned electric vehicle. The County set a goal of getting 1,000 Montgomery County residents and 50 businesses to take the pledge this year. 

“The transportation sector comprises 42 percent of Montgomery County’s community-wide greenhouse gas emissions,” said County’ Climate Change Officer and Acting Director of the Department of Environmental Protection Adriana Hochberg. “To reach Montgomery County’s climate goals we will need to transition from fossil-fuel vehicles to electric vehicles, walk and bike more and use more public transportation to get where we need to go”

Showing support will serve as the foundation for the purchasing cooperative, whereby the co-op members and partners will seek to educate residents and businesses and negotiate favorable pricing for EV purchases and leases on behalf of those who have taken the pledge.

The pledge is available on the County website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/zev.  

“If you need to own a vehicle, an EV is great choice for you and your community,” said County Department of Transportation Director Chris Conklin. “MCDOT has started the switch to a zero-emissions bus fleet, and we are asking residents and businesses to follow in our footsteps. By aggregating demand through the co-op, we will position ourselves to be able to negotiate favorable EV pricing, as well as draw attention to our region from EV manufacturers and dealers to increase supply. This program will be used as a model for the region.” 

The program also will provide EV information resources for consumers and dealerships. The program includes an “EV Ambassador” program that encourages EV owners to share their experiences with community members and an “Electrified Dealer” program that offers EV training to dealerships sales teams.

Ron Kaltenbaugh, president of the Electric Vehicle Association of Greater Washington DC (EVADC), said he supported the new initiative. 

“EVADC has been active in the County since 1980, and our members have collectively driven millions of electric miles,” said Mr. Kaltenbaugh. “EV adoption is critical to eliminating transportation emissions, and EVADC is excited about the launch of this Montgomery County EV Purchase Cooperative and are looking forward to supporting it. We are happy to continue providing a forum for EV discussion and discovery and promoting the enormous benefits local families and businesses can reap from the transition to zero-emission electric vehicles.” 

The Electrification Coalition, a nonprofit organization that works to facilitate widespread adoption of EVs across the country, will serve as the program’s lead implementation partner under a contract with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, which also is providing guidance.

“Montgomery County is ready to Lead the EV Charge when it comes to deployment and adoption of EVs,” said Electrification Coalition Program Manager Matt Stephens-Rich. “This program will help empower residents and businesses to be a part of the solution for lowering emissions, improving air quality, strengthening energy security and supporting public health.” 

To learn more about the Montgomery County Electric Vehicle Purchasing Cooperative pilot program, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/zev or email the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection at AskDEP@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov. 

County Commission on Veterans Affairs to Honor Those Who Served Country with Virtual Tributes During Black History Month

The Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs will honor County uniformed service members and veterans with an expanded detailed virtual display of tributes as part of its celebration of February as Black History Month.

The tributes to service members and veterans who live or have ever lived in Montgomery County include photos, background information and details of accomplishments during their military careers and afterward.

In past years, the tributes were displayed at the Silver Spring Civic Building. Due to the COVID-19 health crisis, this year the Black History Month tributes will be displayed online only. They can be viewed at https://tinyurl.com/y2cn8h24.

The number of induvial tributes recognized for Black History Month continues to expand as more service members and their family and friends contribute information. The Commission on Veterans Affairs is seeking the stories of additional service members and veterans so they can be included with this year’s tributes.

“Every veteran who has served in the history of the U.S. military has their own unique story,” said Wayne Miller, chair of the County’s Commission on Veterans Affairs. “It is the intent of our commission to allow residents to learn more about these remarkable people. The veterans we are honoring during Black History Month all have stories that the people of this County should know.”

A service member or veteran can share their story, or someone can share the story of a friend or family member, by filling out the Commission’s Google form or filling out its PDF form.

Questions about the tribute program can be directed to Carly.Clem@montgomerycountymd.gov or Betsy.Luecking@montgomerycountymd.gov.

The following information is needed on the forms:

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

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

To view Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich’s thoughts on helping veterans or to learn more about the Montgomery Commission on Veterans Affairs, go to https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/veterans.

‘Heads Up, Phones Down’ Video Contest to be Held Feb. 1-22 for Montgomery County Teens to Promote Safer Driving and Walking

Montgomery County teens have an opportunity to win great prizes by producing videos to encourage peers not to allow cell phones to distract them while driving and walking. The County Department of Transportation’s “Heads Up, Phones Down” high school video contest will be accepting entries of 30-second Public Service Announcements (PSAs) between Feb. 1 and Feb. 22.

Montgomery County public and private high school students can submit videos for the contest. Video entries can be submitted individually or as a group of up to four in English or Spanish.

“As a parent, grandparent and former teacher, I know that teenagers often pay more attention to their friends than the adults around them,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Adolescence is a time when peer messaging resonates. This peer-to-peer safety advocacy will help raise awareness of the need for everyone, drivers and walkers, to stay alert and not be distracted while traveling. This contest supports our County Vision Zero goals to eliminate distracted driving and increase pedestrian safety.”

Entries can be submitted for individuals or for groups of up to four.

There is one grand prize and two additional prizes for both the individual and group submission categories. Winning group submissions will split the grand prize with gift cards for each member. Individual submissions may qualify for prizes including a PlayStation Five, an Apple Watch or tripod.

Students can submit their entries on the website’s entry form here. Students may also qualify for up to five Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for successfully completing an entry.

“Teens are using cell phones with increasing frequency,” said County Department of Transportation Director Chris Conklin. “In fact, 84 percent of teenagers in the U.S. have their own phone. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tells us that young drivers, ages 15-19, are the age group with the largest proportion of distracted drivers at the time of a fatal crash. Likewise, an NIH study found that when distracted by cell phone use, children were less attentive to traffic; left less safe time between their crossing and the next arriving vehicle; experienced more collisions and close calls with oncoming traffic; and waited longer before beginning to cross the street. We hope this contest helps serve as a reminder to avoid being distracted by cell phones.”

Winning entries will be announced live on Instagram at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 11, and will be posted on the MCDOT website here.

Visit the contest website for more information at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-PedSafety/HUPD/.

Send contest-related questions to pedestrian.safety@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Montgomery Recreation Posts Safety Guidelines for Resumption of Youth Basketball Programs Starting Jan. 24

Montgomery County Recreation has posted safety guidelines that will go into effect when youth basketball programs resume with practices starting Monday, Jan. 24, and games starting on Feb. 5. The regulations are based on guidance the recreation department received from the County health officer.

Practice will resume with several modifications to previous safety guidelines. The new procedures will  include:

• One spectator will be permitted per player for practice.
• Face coverings must be worn at all times by persons over the age of 2 during practices.
• Stay home when sick.
• Players are recommended to practice good hand hygiene by frequently washing hands or utilizing hand sanitizer.
• If there is a confirmed COVID-19 case, Sports Supervisor Kristofor Sewer should be contacted at 240-475-5456 or kristofor.sewer@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Silver Spring Ice Skating Rink Now Open, With Advance Reservations Required

The Silver Spring Ice Skating Rink at Veterans Plaza is offering staggered skating sessions with online reservations and ticket purchasing. The outdoor rink is a great place for families and adults looking for fun, winter-themed outings—especially if they are hesitant to attend indoor gatherings due to the increased spread of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant. 

The Skating Rink is located at 1 Veterans Place in Downtown Silver Spring, near the Silver Spring Civic Building. It is open seven days a week and is scheduled to be open for the season through March 31 (weather permitting). The rink has more than 400 pairs of skates available to rent, sized from toddler to adult.

Skating sessions are for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Reservations are required to skate and are available two weeks in advance. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.silverspringiceskating.com.

Skating hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Sundays; noon-10 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; noon-11 p.m. on Fridays; and 10 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturdays.

Skating slots are priced at $11 for adults and $10 for children and seniors. Skate rentals are $5.

The Skating Rink requires social distancing while at the facility, on the ice rink itself and while waiting to enter the facility. Masks must be worn inside the facility.

Skaters, family members and friends also can take advantage of the nearby restaurants and coffee shops to grab a hot chocolate or meal to eat at one of the outdoor dining tables on Veterans Plaza. Dining and restaurant options can be found at www.SilverSpringDowntown.com.

16th Annual Montgomery History Conference to be Held Virtually Jan. 21-29

The 16^th annual Montgomery History Conference will be hosted by Montgomery History from January 21-29. This year’s conference will be held in a virtual format over nine days, offering a myriad of opportunities to take part online in three keynote sessions, 12 breakout sessions, a movie screening and a virtual trivia night. 

The events of current times are a reminder that understanding the past is important to making sense of the present. The 2022 History Conference was organized by Montgomery History in partnership with leading businesses, philanthropies, agencies and organizations. It will bring history to life with exciting topics and fresh voices.

This year, the conference will feature an exploration of Revolutionary War General Richard Montgomery, the County’s namesake; a remembrance of Rachel Carson, who helped launch the modern environmental movement, upon the 60th anniversary of the publication of Silent Spring; and Steve Roberts’ reflections on his wife, Cokie, and her love of history and commitment to Montgomery County.

The conference will conclude with a special showing of Finding Fellowship, an inspirational film by Jason Green that documents the healing power of community and reconciliation that took place in 1968 in Quince Orchard.

Breakout sessions will cover topics including the Underground Railroad, archaeology, suburban growth in the 1980s, the history of the Potomac community, the Shady Grove Music Fair and rustic roads. A special session, with Spanish translation, will celebrate Montgomery College’s 75th anniversary.

The conference will kick off with a virtual trivia night on Friday, Jan. 21. Participants will be able to test their knowledge of Montgomery County history and compete against other attendees to win prizes. Challenging questions will cover all eras of Montgomery County history. Politics, performing arts, sports and geography will be among the featured categories.

View all of the session descriptions here.

To register for the conference, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-montgomery-county-history-conference-tickets-221547934837.

The cost to participate in the conference:

• $25 Basic Access: Includes all three keynotes, the documentary screening, and the trivia night.
• $50 Full Access: Includes everything in the Basic Access package plus your choice of live viewing of four breakout sessions.
• $75 Premier Access: Includes everything in the Full Access package plus recordings of all 12 breakout sessions, the three keynote sessions and the closing performance for 12 months.
• $10 Student Access: Equivalent to the Full Access package at a student price. Students must email HistoryConference@MontgomeryHistory.org with proof of student status before registering.

For more information about the conference, contact Director of Programs Matt Gagle at MGagle@MontgomeryHistory.org.

9th Annual Art League of Germantown Juried Exhibition Now at Kentlands Mansion in Gaithersburg

The 9th annual juried multimedia exhibition of artwork from the members of the Art League of Germantown (ALOG) is now on display through March 27 at Kentlands Mansion in Gaithersburg. Viewing of the exhibit sponsored by Gaithersburg’s Arts on the Green is by appointment only, Monday through Friday.

Artist and teacher Michael F. Shibley juried the exhibition that contains 56 pieces by 22 artists.

Kentlands Mansion is located at 320 Kent Square Rd. in Gaithersburg.

Should it be deemed safe to do so, a joint artist reception for both the ALOG exhibit at Kentlands Mansion and the Abstract Explosion exhibit at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 17.

Face masks are required inside all City of Gaithersburg facilities, and social distancing and limited capacity protocols are in place. Gallery access is subject to change based on the current health situation. Check the City’s website for updates.

Mr. Shibley has been recognized throughout the arts community with a variety of awards and professional citations. His original watercolors, which focus on light, shape and colors in the natural and man-made landscape, can be found in public and private collections in the Washington, D.C., area and across the country.

ALOG was founded in 1983 to further the careers of fine artists and crafters and to bring an appreciation of the arts and offer education to the community. To learn more about the league, visit alog.org.

A full image catalogue of the exhibit can be found on the gallery page for those wishing to experience the exhibit virtually.

The Arts on the Green visual arts program is funded in part by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.