A new temporary outdoor art installation memorializing the county’s victims of COVID–19 has gone on display at Brookside Gardens. “Facets of Hope” is a series of crystal strands suspended among wisteria vines, each one honoring a local resident who died of the virus.
Beginning today (March 22), the county’s library system will launch a program of automatically renewing certain materials borrowed by library users up to three times, officials announced.
The county’s Department of Health and Human Services is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations for the FY22 Community Services Grants Program, officials announced. The one-time grants of up to $10,000 are available “to support health and human service projects that promote a safe, healthy, and self-sufficient community.”
The County Council, sitting as the Board of Health, plans to meet this afternoon (March 19) to hold a public hearing and vote on an amended regulation that would loosen restrictions on organized youth sports. If the regulation is passed, all organized sports, whether played indoors or out, would need to have a COVID protocol plan approved by the county’s health officer (or his designee).
The County Council, acting as the Board of Health, yesterday unanimously approved a regulation loosening many of the COVID–19 restrictions that were in place. During the discussion, council members made it clear they felt pressured to do so after Gov. Larry Hogan surprised officials with a March 9 announcement that lifted many statewide COVID-19 restrictions as of 5 p.m. Friday, March 12.
The County Council is set to meet this afternoon for a public hearing and vote on revisions County Executive Marc Elrich has proposed to his executive orders implementing certain pandemic-related restrictions in the county.
The Montgomery County Food Council has added surveys in three additional languages as it seeks resident input regarding 2021 food security initiatives. The survey, which launched in January, is now available in French, Amharic and Mandarin in addition to English and Spanish.
The African American Health Program has expanded its effort to encourage the county’s Black residents to get tested for the COVID-19 virus. The organization is partnering with Black faith organizations such as the Islamic Society of the Washington Area and Black Greek letter organizations like Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity to help reach the targeted communities.
The County Council has announced it is looking for applicants for an upcoming vacancy on the Planning Board. Commissioner Tina Patterson’s term ends June 14 and she has indicated that she will apply for another term. Applications to fill the position are due no later than March 23 at 5 p.m.