Artists Call Issued for Let’s Promote The Vote Project

| at 10:44 am | Categories Montgomery County

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.

County Venues Now Permitted to Offer Live Performances

| at 11:37 am | Categories Montgomery County

County venues including indoor and outdoor restaurants are now permitted to include live performances, with restrictions, County Executive Marc Elrich announced on Friday. Customers will still be required to wear masks at all times other than when seated and eating or drinking. They will not be allowed to gather in front of performers, whether dancing or just watching.

Labor Day Schedule Changes, Closures Announced

| at 10:39 am | Categories Montgomery County

Montgomery Parks announced that portions of Sligo Creek Parkway would remain closed to vehicles and open for pedestrians, bicyclists and other exercise on Labor Day, Sept. 7. On Labor Day weekend, the parkway will be available Friday at 9 a.m. through Tuesday, September 8, till 7 a.m. from Old Carroll Avenue to Piney Branch Road (1.1 miles) and Forest Glen Road to University Boulevard West (1.5 miles).

“Picnic in the Park” Launched to Promote County Parks, Restaurants

| at 10:54 am | Categories Montgomery County

Montgomery Parks has joined with Visit Montgomery, the county’s tourism and destination marketing organization, to launch “Picnic in the Park,” a program to promote both local parks and area restaurants. The initiative launched in nine county parks to make it easy for park visitors to find nearby restaurants offering takeout and delivery.

Council Approves Order Loosening Some COVID-19 Restrictions

| at 10:14 am | Categories Montgomery County

The County Council yesterday approved a revised executive order from County Executive Marc Elrich that loosens some restrictions imposed on activities to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The council, sitting as the Board of Health, then adopted Executive Order No. 098-20, COVID-19 Local Order – Amending and Restating Order dated August 5, 2020, as a Board of Health regulation.

Montgomery Parks to Open Regional, Recreational Fields Sept. 1

| at 9:55 am | Categories Montgomery County

Montgomery Parks will open access to regional and recreational park athletic fields for certain youth and adult games beginning Sept. 1, according to an announcement yesterday. Availability will be limited to low- and medium-risk sports, as defined by the Maryland Sports Commission Return to Play Committee Report, for groups of 50 or fewer.

Council Approves Charter Amendments That Could Change Its Makeup

| at 10:47 am | Categories Montgomery County

The County Council last week approved two resolutions to place charter amendments on the November ballot, both of which would alter the composition of the council, if passed. One would divide the county into seven districts and create 11 council members. The other would eliminate at-large members in favor of nine district representatives.

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.