County Council Introduces Appropriation for Childcare Assistance

Childcare providers and working families with school-age children could receive financial support via a special appropriation introduced by the County Council yesterday. The appropriation of nearly $7.7 million would include $1.8 million provide grants to full day, school-age childcare services reopening in Montgomery County Public Schools buildings.

El Sapo Reopens Today for Indoor Dining

El Sapo Cuban Social Club

El Sapo Cuban Social Club will reopen its indoor dining space beginning today (Tuesday, Sept. 22), according to an announcement from the restaurant’s management. Dining capacity will be limited to 50 percent to comply with the county’s pandemic restrictions and reservations are “highly recommended,” the announcement reads.

Picnickers at Nine County Parks to be Allowed Alcoholic Drinks

Picnickers in nine county parks will be able to enjoy alcoholic drinks with their meals beginning on Thursday, Sept. 24. The action is a pilot program that will run through May 31, 2021 as part of the Picnic in the Park initiative launched in August. Picnic in the Park allows park visitors to easily find nearby restaurants offering takeout and delivery.

Artists Call Issued for Let’s Promote The Vote Project

Let’s Promote The Vote has issued a call for artists to create works encouraging residents to get out and vote in the November election.

The project was launched by the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County and the Montgomery County Public Arts Trust.

AHCMC is looking for up to 10 artists or designers for paid commissions of $1,500 to create temporary public murals in any media. The art is for display in traditionally marginalized/hard to count communities throughout the county.

Demolition of 8787 Georgia Avenue to Begin by End of Year

Demolition of 8787 Georgia Ave., the former home of the county’s Planning Department, is slated to begin by the end of the year in preparation for a 2021 groundbreaking of the redevelopment of the property. The county chose partners Bozzuto and StonebridgeCarras in 2013 for a two-part redevelopment effort, according to Devon Hastie, development manager for Bozzuto. The first part, construction of a new office building for the county in Wheaton, has been completed.