County Offering Grants up to $1,000 for Neighborhood Events

| at 7:00 am | Categories Montgomery County

Montgomery County will again offer matching grants of up to $1,000 to help fund neighborhood events, according to an announcement from Silver Spring Regional Services Center Director Reemberto Rodriguez. Neighborhood organizations, block groups, tenant groups, civic groups and similar organizations are eligible to apply to help fund events and activities that “promote community engagement, encourage capacity building, networking and stimulate the local economy,” according to the message.

AAHP EC Offering COVID-19 Testing Program Targeting African Americans

| at 11:30 am | Categories Silver Spring

The African American Health Program Executive Committee recently launched a free COVID-19 testing program targeting the county’s African American residents, the committee announced. The targeted COVID-19 response program, with the tagline “Don’t Stress. Take the Test.” is offered a various drive-through locations around the county and also includes need-based wellness services.

Commission Seeks Info for Virtual Veterans Tributes

| at 1:00 pm | Categories Montgomery County

The county’s Commission on Veterans Affairs is looking for tributes to veterans to add to its virtual “Tribute to Montgomery County Veterans,” officials announced. The program is open to any county residents who have served in the military, whether in wartime or peacetime.

COVID Case Increases Lead County to Consider Roll Back of Reopening Provisions

| at 10:13 am | Categories Montgomery County

With the increase in COVID-19 cases detected locally and around the country, county officials are evaluating whether there’s a need to roll back recent reopening provisions. Dr. Travis Gayles, the county’s health officer, has updated the indicators used to guide local decision-making regarding the restrictions intended to curb the spread of the virus.

Two Silver Spring Brewers Join Campaign to Thank Pandemic First Responders, Essential Workers

| at 9:56 am | Categories Silver Spring

Two Silver Spring breweries have joined other local brewers and organizations to launch a campaign to thank first responders and other frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Denizens Brewing Company and Silver Branch Brewing Co. are part of #CraftingGratitude, an initiative begun by @TheBeerFairiez, a husband and wife team of Jen and Josh Beinstock that’s described as “a Montgomery County-based community social and networking group.”

Council Approves Additional COVID-19 Funding, Amended Executive Order

| at 10:10 am | Categories Montgomery County

The County Council yesterday unanimously passed additional targeted funding in response to COVID-19, as well as an amended executive order on county restrictions in response to the pandemic. The council approved a $3.3 million special appropriation to implement the African American Health Program Executive Committee program to provide a response to the impact of the pandemic on African American and Black residents. In addition, bars and restaurants will be barred from selling alcohol after 10 p.m.

Council Passes Bill to Require Police Adopt Use of Force Policy

| at 10:51 am | Categories Montgomery County

The County Council yesterday unanimously approved a bill that would require the Montgomery County police chief to adopt a use of force policy. Many of the provisions in the legislation are similar those in a new policy announced in June by County Executive Marc Elrich, Police Chief Marcus Jones and the Fraternal Order of Police.