Republic Garden Temporarily Shut Down by DHHS

The Republic Garden in downtown Silver Spring has been temporarily shut down by order of the Department of Health and Human Services, officials announced. The restaurant/lounge at 8402 Georgia Ave. was given a 30-day closure notice on Sunday, July 26 for not maintaining the minimum of six feet for social distancing.

Planners to Hold Virtual Listening Sessions on Downtown, Adjacent Communities Plan

The county’s Planning Department will hold the first of three virtual “listening sessions” on what’s been rechristened the Silver Spring Downtown and Adjacent Communities Plan on Tuesday, July 21 from noon to 1:15 p.m. The discussion is part of the launch of the sector plan process for the Central Business District and surrounding area.

County to Open Former Library as Cooling Center During Heat Alert

The county will open the former Silver Spring library location today (July 20) as a cooling center in response to a declared heat emergency alert. The building at 8901 Colesville Rd. will open at 11 a.m. Monday and close at 7 p.m. In addition, the Silver Spring Civic Building has been designated a cooling center today as well, also from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Not Your Average Joe’s Has Permanently Closed in Ellsworth Place

Not Your Average Joe’s restaurant in Ellsworth Place has permanently closed, according to an email sent to customers today (July 9) and forwarded to the Source. The message, signed by Peter D’Amelio, the company’s chairman and CEO, reads, “We have truly enjoyed being part of the Silver Spring community.”

Kefa to Leave Library Location, Bump ’n Grind to Take Over

Kefa Café will leave its location in the Silver Spring Library and open a café in the new Wheaton Library, while Bump ’n Grind will take over the Silver Spring spot. “We have been honored for the past five years to operate the coffee shop located on the grounds of the Silver Spring Library,” said Kefa’s co-owner Lene Tsegay in a statement, “and we are proud to have established a precedent for creating a welcoming and supportive community space for library customers.”

Locavino Honored with Award from Wine Spectator Magazine

Locavino, the wine café that overlooks Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, has been recognized with a 2020 Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator magazine. The award “recognizes thoughtfully chosen wine lists that offer quality and diversity, as well as compatibility with the restaurant’s style and menu,” according to the announcement.

Hair Cuttery in Ellsworth Place Shuts Down

The Hair Cuttery in Ellsworth Place has permanently closed, joining other salons shut down by its parent company even as others are preparing to reopen. Creative Hairdressers Inc. announced in January it intended to close more than 80 stores due to financial issues.