Discovery shark may make a comeback

Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006

More inflatables could soon be seen in Silver Spring’s downtown.

A zoning text amendment was brought before the County Council Tuesday that would allow more inflatable figures and signs in urban areas that are arts and entertainment districts.

The amendment would allow inflatable signs and figures to be put up four times a year for 30 days at a time, said Gary Stith, director of the Silver Spring Regional Services Center, at Monday night’s Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board meeting.

‘‘Silver Spring is really the only area it applies to,” Stith said.

The figures would be allowed to be up without the county acting as a sponsoring agency. Next year, for instance, Discovery Communications could put its large, looming shark on their building without the county co-sponsoring the company’s ‘‘Shark Week” events, Stith said.

Discovery and the American Film Institute have been pushing for the bill, Stith said. Both organizations would like to use inflatable figures for special events.

Sculpture unveiled Dec. 7

Artist Zach Oxman unveiled ‘‘Inspiration,” his latest sculpture, in the Arts Alley at Blair Mill Road on Dec. 7.

Oxman has been a professional artist in the area since 1990.

Ring in the holidaysat Silver Plaza

Every Saturday until Christmas, holiday events will be held at Silver Plaza on Ellsworth Drive in downtown Silver Spring.

The Montgomery Blair High School chamber choir will perform 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Pet photos with Santa will also be available, benefiting the Washington Humane Society. At 3 p.m., Blair’s jazz ensemble will perform.

Ice Krystal’s Ice Sculptor will make an appearance 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 23, and carolers will sing 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Additionally, through Dec. 22, patrons can bring unwrapped toys to the Downtown Silver Spring Security Office to benefit Toys for Tots.

New state lawmakersto visit Silver Spring

On Tuesday, several incoming lawmakers from around the state were scheduled to visit downtown Silver Spring as part of their statewide orientation tour in order to more fully understand the impact of state and local economic development funding.