COVID–19 Closures Extended for Schools, Public Facilities

Gov. Larry Hogan extended the closure of public schools due to the COVID-19 emergency, and Montgomery County Public Schools began distributing laptops to students needing them for distance learning. The closures are in effect until at least April 24 and all extracurricular programs, athletic programs are cancelled.

Council Introduces COVID-19 Help for Small Businesses, Nonprofits

The County Council yesterday introduced emergency legislation and special appropriations to assist small businesses and nonprofit organizations affected by the COVID-19 emergency. The actions would allow the county executive to provide grants of up to $75,000 to organizations “with 100 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees that can demonstrate financial losses caused by the public health emergency.”

Nonprofit Teams with Restaurants to Feed Needy, Support Workers

Local nonprofit Silver Spring Cares has teamed up with a group of Silver Spring/Takoma Park restaurants to provide meals to needy area residents. To fund the effort and help to support the restaurants’ employees, SSC last week launched a Community Connection Go Fund Me page, according to Heather Foley, SSC’s executive director.

Upcoming Events Posting Moratorium

Upcoming Events

On a normal Thursday, the Source posts a curated list of upcoming events gathered from various places, including our own calendar of community events. This is not a normal Thursday.

DOT Creates No Parking Zones to Facilitate Takeout Pick Ups

The county’s Department of Transportation has designated six temporary “No Parking” zones in downtown Silver Spring to make curbside pickup of takeout orders easier for local residents. In addition, the county has temporarily established free parking for residents in the Bonifant/Dixon garage at 1101 Bonifant St.

Salon Moves from Georgia Avenue to Bonifant Location

Salon Zoma has moved from its Georgia Avenue location to 919 Bonifant St. on the ground floor of The Bonifant apartments. Owner Fasika Kebede opened her first location as an Aveda “concept salon” in 2010, she said, offering Aveda’s environmentally friendly products exclusively. The new shop continues that concept.

County Executive Urges Public to be Inclusive in Climate Change Efforts

County Executive Marc Elrich urged community leaders and environmental activists to open their platforms to more diverse voices at the Feb. 27 Climate Action Plan Town Hall and Open House. “We’ve got to do a better job engaging low income and vulnerable communities,” Elrich said. “I look around this room, and I got to say this looks like every climate environmental group I have ever been in.”