The Silver Spring Penguin

Despite the shortened work week, the government is cooking with oil to get stuff done. Somebody had better wake the president from his nap.

Here’s what’s going on this week:

Monday

Throughout the day. The county observes Presidents Day. County offices and libraries are closed. But hey, at least liquor stores are open and Ride On buses are running their usual weekday schedules. And feel free to park in county lots and at meters all damned day: It’s on the house.

Throughout the day: Construction continues at the Metro Center station, so expect insane delays on the Red Line.

1:00 p.m. While the county gets the day off, state delegates mull over legal changes that would give the future Fillmore venue its liquor license. The action rocks the House economic-matters committee in Annapolis.

1:00 p.m. The House economic-matters committee also consider a bill that would allow wine dealers to ship bottles of vino directly to consumers’ homes. It all hits Annapolis, but Eric of ThayerAvenue.com suggests other ways to holler at your state delegates.

Tuesday

1:30 p.m. The county council tries to figure out how to fill the void left by Marilyn Praisner, who died in January. The discussion hits Rockville.

2:00 p.m. The county’s planning, housing and economic development committee looks at the Fillmore and how it fits in the 2009 capital-improvements budget. Catch the show in Rockville.

Wednesday

6:30 p.m. The Gateway Heliport Gallery (8001 Kennett St) hosts a free lecture by Matt Klein on liability insurance and investments for small businesses. It’s all part of the Acorn Market series for small businesses.

7:30 p.m. Silver Spring’s commercial and economic development committee talks about, well, commercial and economic development. The monthly shindig hits the Silver Spring Regional Center (8435 Georgia Ave) and is open to the public.

Thursday

1:30 p.m. Just in time for the recession, the Long Branch Public Library (8800 Garland Ave) hosts a free workshop on job searches and career planning. Call (240) 777-0910 to register.

3:30 p.m. Silver Spring’s urban-district advisory committee holds its monthly meeting at Discovery Communications (1 Discovery Pl). It’s free. It’s open to the public. Why not?

6:30 p.m. The nonprofit group Impact Silver Spring hosts a free discussion on how area residents can support new and existing local businesses. The love-in takes place at the Gilchrist Center for Cultural Diversity (11319 Elkin St, Wheaton) and is open to the public. Spanish and Amharic interpreters will be available.

7:00 p.m. Silver Spring’s neighborhoods committee talks about the neighborhood. Catch it at the Silver Spring Regional Center (8435 Georgia Ave). It’s open to the public.